CVE-2012-3560 in Web Browser
Summary
by MITRE
Opera before 11.65 does not ensure that the address field corresponds to the displayed web page during blocked navigation, which makes it easier for remote attackers to conduct spoofing attacks by detecting and preventing attempts to load a different web page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-3560 affects Opera web browsers version 11.64 and earlier, representing a significant security flaw in the browser's navigation handling mechanism. This issue stems from the browser's failure to properly validate address field synchronization with the actual displayed content during navigation blocking scenarios. The flaw creates a window of opportunity for malicious actors to exploit the inconsistency between what users see in the address bar and what is actually being rendered on the page. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the browser blocks navigation attempts, yet fails to update the address field accordingly, leaving users in a potentially misleading state where the displayed URL does not match the active content.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability represents a classic case of inconsistent state management within the browser's user interface components. The flaw occurs during the navigation process when the browser encounters a blocked page load attempt, such as when a user clicks on a link that is prevented from loading due to security policies or other restrictions. The browser's address bar continues to display the original URL while the new content loads or fails to load, creating a scenario where users cannot accurately determine the actual source of the displayed content. This inconsistency provides attackers with a means to craft deceptive web pages that can mislead users about the true origin of the content they are viewing, particularly when combined with other browser-based attacks or when users are not actively monitoring the address bar.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple phishing attempts to encompass a broader range of spoofing attacks that can deceive users into trusting malicious content. Attackers can exploit this flaw by creating web pages that attempt to redirect users to malicious sites while keeping the address bar showing a legitimate URL, thereby bypassing user vigilance mechanisms. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the user interface level, making it difficult for users to detect the deception without actively monitoring the address bar. The flaw essentially undermines the fundamental security principle of visual integrity in web browsers, where users expect the address bar to accurately represent the current page source. This issue has implications for web security standards and user trust models, as it allows for subtle but effective social engineering attacks that can compromise user security without requiring complex exploitation techniques.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-602, which addresses client-side cross-site scripting flaws where the client fails to validate or sanitize input from untrusted sources. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving credential access through social engineering and user interaction, as it exploits the user's trust in the browser interface. The flaw also relates to T1566, which covers social engineering tactics, since it enables attackers to create more convincing phishing scenarios by maintaining a false sense of legitimacy in the browser's address field. Organizations using affected Opera versions should implement immediate mitigation strategies including browser updates, user education about address bar verification, and network-level monitoring to detect suspicious navigation patterns. The recommended solution involves upgrading to Opera 11.65 or later versions where the address field synchronization issue has been resolved, along with implementing additional security measures such as content security policies and regular security audits to prevent similar issues in other browser components or web applications.