CVE-2010-3019 in Web Browser
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in Opera before 10.61 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash or hang) via vectors related to HTML5 canvas painting operations that occur during the application of transformations.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3019 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow affecting Opera web browsers prior to version 10.61. This flaw resides within the HTML5 canvas painting subsystem and demonstrates the ongoing challenges organizations face when implementing complex graphics rendering capabilities in web browsers. The vulnerability specifically manifests during the application of transformations to HTML5 canvas elements, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through standard web page content without requiring specialized attack vectors. The security implications extend beyond simple code execution to include potential denial of service conditions that can cause application crashes or indefinite hangs, severely impacting user experience and system availability.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within Opera's handling of canvas transformation operations. When the browser processes HTML5 canvas elements with certain transformation parameters, the memory allocation and manipulation routines fail to validate input boundaries properly, creating opportunities for attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This heap-based overflow condition allows malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary code within the context of the browser process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and demonstrates how graphics rendering subsystems often contain complex memory management operations that introduce significant security risks.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risk for organizations relying on Opera browsers, as the attack surface is broad and accessible through standard web browsing activities. The remote exploitability means that attackers can trigger the vulnerability through malicious web pages without requiring user interaction beyond visiting compromised sites. The impact extends to both application stability and security integrity, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise or persistent denial of service conditions that can affect multiple users simultaneously. The vulnerability represents a classic example of how browser vendors must balance performance optimization with security considerations, particularly in graphics-intensive features that require complex memory management operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3019 focus primarily on immediate browser updates to version 10.61 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the heap overflow conditions. Organizations should also implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems that can detect and block known malicious canvas operations. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual browser behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around graphics rendering operations. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining current security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that include browser hardening, user education, and continuous monitoring of web application security posture. This case study illustrates the broader ATT&CK framework concept of privilege escalation through browser exploitation, where initial access through web browsing can lead to complete system compromise through memory corruption vulnerabilities.