CVE-2010-4584 in Web Browser
Summary
by MITRE
Opera before 11.00, when Opera Turbo is used, does not properly present information about problematic X.509 certificates on https web sites, which might make it easier for remote attackers to spoof trusted content via a crafted web site.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4584 affects Opera web browsers prior to version 11.00, specifically when the Opera Turbo feature is enabled. This security flaw represents a significant issue in certificate validation and presentation mechanisms that could potentially allow attackers to deceive users into trusting malicious websites. The vulnerability stems from Opera's improper handling of X.509 certificate information when the Turbo mode is active, creating a window of opportunity for man-in-the-middle attacks and certificate spoofing operations. The issue manifests in the browser's user interface where certificate warnings and trust indicators are not accurately displayed, leading to a false sense of security among users interacting with potentially compromised websites.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in Opera's certificate presentation logic when Opera Turbo is active. Opera Turbo is a feature designed to compress web content and improve browsing speed over slow connections by routing traffic through Opera's servers. However, when this feature is enabled, the browser fails to properly convey certificate status information to users, particularly when encountering problematic X.509 certificates. This creates a scenario where users may not receive adequate warnings about certificate issues, allowing attackers to craft deceptive websites that appear legitimate despite having compromised or invalid certificates. The flaw essentially weakens the browser's security model by obscuring certificate validation results that should be immediately apparent to users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple user experience issues to encompass serious security implications. Attackers could exploit this weakness by creating malicious websites with forged certificates that would appear trustworthy to Opera users when Turbo mode is enabled. This could facilitate phishing attacks, data interception, and credential theft operations where users are misled into believing they are communicating with legitimate services. The vulnerability particularly affects users who rely on Opera Turbo for its performance benefits, as the security compromise is specifically tied to this feature's operation. This creates a dangerous situation where users may be unaware of the security risks they face, especially when accessing sensitive websites such as banking or corporate portals where certificate validation is critical.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-295 which addresses improper certificate validation, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers spearphishing attacks through various delivery methods including compromised website content. The flaw demonstrates how browser optimization features can inadvertently create security weaknesses when not properly integrated with security validation mechanisms. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of broader web security assessments, particularly when Opera browsers are in use within enterprise environments. The recommended mitigation involves upgrading to Opera version 11.00 or later where the certificate presentation issues have been resolved, or disabling Opera Turbo mode for users who require strict certificate validation. Additionally, security awareness training should emphasize the importance of certificate validation regardless of browser features, as this vulnerability highlights how user interface design choices can impact security perception and trust models in web browsing environments.