CVE-2010-1728 in Web Browser
Summary
by MITRE
Opera before 10.53 on Windows and Mac OS X does not properly handle a series of document modifications that occur asynchronously, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via JavaScript that writes <marquee> sequences in an infinite loop, leading to attempted use of uninitialized memory. NOTE: this might overlap CVE-2006-6955.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-1728 represents a critical memory safety issue affecting Opera web browsers version 10.52 and earlier on Windows and Mac OS X platforms. This flaw stems from the browser's inadequate handling of asynchronous document modifications, creating a dangerous condition where JavaScript execution can trigger improper memory access patterns. The vulnerability specifically manifests when JavaScript code attempts to write <marquee> elements in an infinite loop, which creates a cascade of document modifications that the browser's rendering engine cannot properly manage. This issue falls under the CWE-457 category of "Use of Uninitialized Variable" and demonstrates how improper memory management can lead to severe security consequences.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully crafted JavaScript code that continuously generates <marquee> elements within an infinite loop structure. When Opera processes these asynchronous document modifications, it fails to properly initialize memory regions that should contain valid data structures for managing the marquee elements. This uninitialized memory access creates a scenario where the browser attempts to execute code from memory locations that contain arbitrary data rather than legitimate executable code. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered remotely through web pages loaded in the browser, making it an ideal candidate for drive-by download attacks. The asynchronous nature of the document modifications means that the memory corruption occurs during normal browser operation rather than through explicit malicious input handling.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-1728 extends beyond simple application crashes to potentially enable remote code execution on vulnerable systems. When the browser encounters the malformed <marquee> sequences in infinite loops, it can cause memory corruption that leads to application instability and crashes. However, the more severe implications arise when the uninitialized memory access results in code execution, allowing attackers to run arbitrary commands on the target system. This vulnerability is particularly concerning for enterprise environments where users may inadvertently visit compromised websites, as it can be exploited without user interaction beyond simply loading the malicious page. The potential for privilege escalation exists when the browser runs with elevated privileges, making the attack surface even more dangerous.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the ATT&CK framework, particularly under the T1059.007 technique for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript." The vulnerability represents a classic example of how browser-based memory corruption flaws can be leveraged for remote exploitation. Mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of Opera version 10.53 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the asynchronous document modification handling. Organizations should also implement browser hardening measures such as disabling JavaScript in untrusted environments, using content filtering solutions, and maintaining up-to-date security patches across all browser installations. Network-based protections like web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious JavaScript patterns that attempt to exploit this vulnerability, while regular security assessments should verify that all browser installations are properly patched against known memory safety issues. The vulnerability's overlap with CVE-2006-6955 indicates that similar patterns of uninitialized memory access have been previously documented, emphasizing the importance of proper memory management practices in browser development.