CVE-2010-2536 in rekonq
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in rekonq 0.5 and earlier allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via (1) a URL associated with a nonexistent domain name, related to webpage.cpp, aka a "universal XSS" issue; (2) unspecified vectors related to webview.cpp; and the about: views for (3) favorites, (4) bookmarks, (5) closed tabs, and (6) history.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2536 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting rekonq version 0.5 and earlier, demonstrating a sophisticated attack vector that exploits the browser's handling of malformed URL inputs and internal view rendering mechanisms. This vulnerability classifies under CWE-79 as a weakness in web application input validation, where the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamic web content. The issue manifests when the browser encounters URLs associated with nonexistent domain names, creating a universal XSS condition that can be leveraged across multiple attack surfaces within the application's interface.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the webpage.cpp component where the application processes URLs without adequate sanitization of domain name parameters, allowing malicious scripts to be embedded in the URL structure itself. Additionally, the webview.cpp module contains unspecified vectors that further compound the vulnerability by failing to properly escape or validate input data before rendering it within the browser's view components. This dual-path approach creates a particularly dangerous attack surface where attackers can exploit the application's internal handling of various URL formats and malformed inputs to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of the victim's browser session.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it creates persistent attack vectors that can be exploited across multiple user interface components within rekonq's browser environment. The about: views for favorites, bookmarks, closed tabs, and history all present separate entry points where malicious content can be stored and subsequently executed when users navigate to these sections, effectively creating a persistent XSS attack mechanism. This behavior aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through spearphishing attachments and T1584.002 for infrastructure using compromised websites, as attackers can craft malicious URLs that remain effective even after the initial visit, creating a lasting threat vector.
The universal nature of this vulnerability means that attackers can craft a single malicious URL that will exploit the XSS condition across all affected components of the browser application, making it particularly dangerous for users who may inadvertently visit compromised sites or receive malicious links through social engineering attacks. This type of vulnerability is especially concerning in a browser context where users frequently interact with external content and where the persistent nature of the attack allows for extended periods of exploitation. The lack of proper input validation in both the URL parsing and view rendering components creates a fundamental security flaw that undermines the browser's ability to provide a secure browsing environment, potentially allowing attackers to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions, or redirect users to malicious sites.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding across all URL handling components, particularly in the webpage.cpp and webview.cpp modules. The application should employ strict sanitization of domain name parameters and implement proper HTML escaping for all user-supplied content before rendering in the browser interface. Additionally, developers should consider implementing Content Security Policy headers and input validation mechanisms that prevent the execution of unauthorized scripts in the browser context. Regular security auditing of URL parsing and view rendering components should be conducted to identify and address similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application's codebase.