CVE-2011-2624 in Web Browser
Summary
by MITRE
Opera before 11.50 allows user-assisted remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application hang) via a large table, which is not properly handled during a print preview.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/13/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2624 affects Opera web browsers prior to version 11.50 and represents a denial of service flaw that can be exploited through user-assisted remote attacks. This issue specifically manifests during print preview operations when the browser encounters large table structures that are not properly handled by the rendering engine. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and memory management during the print preview process, where the browser fails to properly process or limit the resources consumed when rendering oversized table elements.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability operates at the application level within the browser's print preview functionality, where the rendering engine processes HTML table elements that exceed normal operational parameters. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-122, which deals with buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-400, which addresses resource exhaustion vulnerabilities. When a maliciously crafted webpage containing an oversized table is loaded and the user triggers print preview, the browser's memory allocation and processing mechanisms become overwhelmed, leading to application hang or unresponsiveness. The vulnerability is classified as user-assisted because it requires user interaction to trigger the malicious print preview scenario, making it less severe than fully autonomous exploits but still concerning from a usability and reliability standpoint.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can be leveraged to create persistent application unresponsiveness that affects user productivity and system availability. In enterprise environments where Opera browsers are deployed, this vulnerability could lead to increased help desk tickets and reduced user satisfaction. The attack vector involves a remote attacker who crafts a webpage containing an oversized table structure, which when viewed in Opera and subsequently processed through print preview, causes the application to become unresponsive. This type of denial of service attack can be particularly problematic in environments where users frequently interact with print preview functionality or where automated browser testing processes might encounter such malformed content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-2624 primarily focus on updating to Opera version 11.50 or later, which includes proper handling of large table structures during print preview operations. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all Opera installations are current with security updates. Additionally, organizations can deploy web application firewalls or content filtering solutions that can detect and block malicious table structures before they reach user browsers. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers network denial of service, indicates that this issue should be considered in broader network defense strategies. Organizations should also consider implementing browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary print preview features or restricting access to potentially malicious websites through security policies and user education initiatives to minimize exposure to this type of vulnerability.