CVE-2010-4579 in Web Browser
Summary
by MITRE
Opera before 11.00 does not properly constrain dialogs to appear on top of rendered documents, which makes it easier for remote attackers to trick users into interacting with a crafted web site that spoofs the (1) security information dialog or (2) download dialog.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-4579 represents a critical user interface security flaw in Opera web browsers prior to version 11.00. This issue stems from improper dialog management that fails to enforce proper z-order constraints within the browser's graphical user interface. The vulnerability specifically affects how dialog boxes are positioned relative to the main document content, creating a windowing security gap that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical flaw manifests when Opera browsers fail to properly manage the stacking order of dialog elements, allowing crafted web pages to position spoofed dialogs above the actual document content. This behavior violates fundamental security principles for user interface design and creates a condition where attackers can manipulate the visual hierarchy of browser elements. The vulnerability specifically impacts two critical dialog types: security information dialogs and download dialogs, both of which are essential for user awareness of potential threats and legitimate file operations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables sophisticated phishing attacks and social engineering campaigns that can deceive users into making harmful interactions with malicious websites. Attackers can craft web pages that display fake security warnings or download prompts, making them appear legitimate to users who trust the browser interface. The impact extends beyond simple deception as users may inadvertently download malware or provide sensitive information based on the false dialog presentations. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-1242 which addresses improper dialog management in web browsers, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in user interface design.
The attack vector leverages the trust users place in browser security dialogs, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may not recognize the spoofed interfaces. Security researchers have documented numerous cases where similar vulnerabilities have been exploited for credential theft, malware distribution, and financial fraud. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1190 indicates its potential for exploitation through web-based attack vectors that manipulate user interface elements to achieve malicious objectives.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4579 require immediate browser updates to version 11.00 or later, which implemented proper dialog stacking constraints and z-order management. Organizations should also deploy user education programs to help users recognize suspicious dialog appearances and establish browser security policies that limit the execution of untrusted content. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and content filtering systems can provide additional layers of defense. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper user interface security design and the need for continuous security auditing of browser components to prevent similar issues in future software releases.