CVE-2012-1927 in Web Browser
Summary
by MITRE
Opera before 11.62 allows remote attackers to spoof the address field by triggering the launch of a dialog window associated with a different domain.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/22/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1927 represents a significant security flaw in Opera web browsers prior to version 11.62, specifically targeting the browser's address bar spoofing capabilities. This issue stems from inadequate validation mechanisms within the browser's dialog window handling system, which fails to properly verify the originating domain of dialog windows. The flaw enables malicious actors to exploit the browser's user interface to display misleading address bar information, creating a deceptive environment that can fool users into believing they are visiting a trusted website when they are actually interacting with content from a different domain.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of dialog window launch sequences within the Opera browser's rendering engine. When a web page triggers a dialog window that is associated with a different domain than the currently displayed page, the browser's address bar fails to properly update or validate the domain context. This creates a scenario where attackers can craft malicious web content that launches dialog windows from compromised domains while maintaining the appearance of legitimate navigation. The vulnerability specifically affects the browser's user interface integrity by allowing unauthorized domain information to be displayed in the address field, bypassing normal security mechanisms that should prevent such cross-domain spoofing.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-1927 extends beyond simple visual deception to encompass potential phishing attacks and credential theft scenarios. Users who are tricked by the spoofed address bar may unknowingly enter sensitive information into forms that appear to be part of a trusted website but are actually controlled by attackers. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-601, which addresses URL redirector vulnerabilities and the potential for open redirector attacks, as the flaw enables malicious actors to create deceptive navigation experiences that can lead to unauthorized access to user accounts and sensitive data. The attack vector primarily involves web-based exploitation where attackers craft malicious pages that leverage the browser's dialog handling to display misleading address information, making it particularly dangerous in social engineering contexts.
The security implications of this vulnerability demonstrate a critical failure in browser sandboxing and user interface validation mechanisms. The flaw represents a breakdown in the browser's ability to maintain consistent security boundaries between different domains, allowing cross-domain information leakage through the address bar interface. This vulnerability also intersects with ATT&CK technique T1071.001, which covers application layer protocol usage for command and control communications, as the spoofed address bar can be used to establish trust relationships with malicious actors. Organizations and users should prioritize updating to Opera version 11.62 or later, which includes proper domain validation and dialog window handling mechanisms that prevent this type of cross-domain spoofing. Additional mitigations include implementing browser security policies that restrict dialog window permissions, enabling user interface integrity checks, and conducting regular security assessments to identify potential cross-domain exploitation opportunities that could leverage similar vulnerabilities.