CVE-2012-0842 in Surf
Summary
by MITRE
surf: cookie jar has read access from other local user
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0842 affects the surf web browser implementation and represents a critical security flaw in how the browser handles cookie storage and access control. This issue stems from improper implementation of cookie jar isolation mechanisms that allow local users to read cookie data belonging to other local users running the same browser instance. The flaw exists within the browser's cookie management system where access controls are insufficiently enforced, creating a cross-user data leakage scenario that violates fundamental security principles of user isolation and data protection.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a clear violation of the principle of least privilege and proper access control mechanisms. When multiple local users interact with the surf browser, the cookie jar component fails to properly isolate cookie data between different user contexts. This allows one local user to potentially access session cookies, authentication tokens, or other sensitive cookie data that should be restricted to a specific user account. The vulnerability specifically affects the browser's cookie storage mechanism where cookie data is stored in a location that lacks proper user-specific access controls, enabling unauthorized cross-user cookie reading capabilities.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security risks for multi-user systems where multiple individuals share the same machine or virtual environment. Attackers with local access can exploit this weakness to obtain session tokens, authentication credentials, or other sensitive information stored in cookies, potentially leading to unauthorized access to web applications, account takeovers, or privilege escalation attacks. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as it can enable attackers to impersonate other users within web applications that rely on cookie-based authentication mechanisms. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where surf is used in shared computing scenarios, virtualized environments, or multi-user systems where proper isolation is expected.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software implementations, and represents a specific instance of insufficient user isolation in web browser components. From an attack framework perspective, this issue can be categorized under the attack technique of credential access and privilege escalation, falling within the ATT&CK matrix category of T1550 for use of stolen credentials. The flaw can be exploited by malicious local users to gain unauthorized access to other users' web sessions, potentially leading to complete account compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive web applications. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability when assessing multi-user system security configurations and implementing proper access control measures.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper cookie isolation mechanisms that ensure each user context has separate and secure cookie storage. System administrators should consider disabling shared browser instances in multi-user environments or implementing proper access controls on cookie storage locations. The recommended remediation includes updating to patched versions of surf that properly implement user-specific cookie isolation, implementing mandatory access controls on cookie storage directories, and ensuring that cookie data is stored with appropriate file permissions that prevent cross-user access. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments to identify similar access control flaws in other browser components or web applications that may exhibit similar vulnerabilities in user isolation mechanisms.