CVE-2012-1924 in Web Browser
Summary
by MITRE
Opera before 11.62 allows user-assisted remote attackers to trick users into downloading and executing arbitrary files via a small window for the download dialog.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/22/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1924 affects Opera web browsers version 11.61 and earlier, representing a significant client-side attack vector that exploits user interface manipulation techniques. This flaw resides in the browser's download dialog handling mechanism, where attackers can exploit a design weakness that allows for the creation of deceptive user interfaces. The vulnerability specifically targets the window sizing and positioning behavior during download operations, creating a scenario where malicious actors can craft download dialogs that appear legitimate while actually executing harmful payloads. The security implications extend beyond simple file execution, as this vulnerability enables attackers to bypass user awareness mechanisms that typically protect against suspicious downloads.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of download dialog properties and insufficient sandboxing of user interface elements during file transfer operations. When Opera processes download requests, it fails to properly verify the dimensions and positioning of the download confirmation window, allowing attackers to manipulate the dialog size to obscure critical security warnings or redirect users to malicious content. This weakness aligns with CWE-693, which addresses protection mechanism failures in security systems, and specifically demonstrates poor input validation in user interface components. The flaw operates through a combination of HTML and JavaScript manipulation that leverages browser rendering inconsistencies, particularly in how window dimensions are handled during asynchronous download operations. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that present download dialogs with reduced size parameters, making it difficult for users to distinguish between legitimate and malicious download prompts.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a sophisticated attack surface that requires minimal user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. The user-assisted nature of the attack means that successful exploitation depends on social engineering elements, but the underlying technical flaw provides attackers with a reliable method for bypassing traditional security controls. The impact extends to enterprise environments where users may inadvertently download malware, potentially leading to complete system compromise and data exfiltration. Organizations using older Opera versions face significant risk as this vulnerability can be exploited in targeted attacks, phishing campaigns, or drive-by download scenarios. The attack vector represents a convergence of browser security weaknesses and user interface design flaws that make it particularly challenging to detect and prevent through standard security measures.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-1924 primarily focus on immediate browser updates to version 11.62 or later, which contain patches addressing the window sizing validation issues. Security administrators should implement comprehensive browser update policies that ensure all client systems run current, secure versions of Opera. Additional protective measures include deploying browser security extensions that monitor and restrict window manipulation behaviors, implementing network-level controls that scan download content, and establishing user awareness training programs that educate personnel about suspicious download prompts. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting solutions that prevent execution of unauthorized software, as well as regular security assessments to identify potentially vulnerable browser configurations. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper user interface security design and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1193, which covers the use of malicious file downloads to gain initial access to target systems. This case study emphasizes the critical need for robust input validation in all user interface components and highlights how seemingly minor design flaws can create significant security vulnerabilities in client-side applications.