CVE-2012-3561 in Web Browser
Summary
by MITRE
Opera before 11.64 does not properly allocate memory for URL strings, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption and application crash) via a crafted string.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-3561 affects Opera web browsers version 11.63 and earlier, representing a critical memory management flaw that enables remote code execution and denial of service conditions. This issue stems from improper memory allocation handling specifically when processing URL strings, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted input can trigger unpredictable behavior in the browser's memory management system. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of memory corruption and application stability, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited remotely without user interaction.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in how Opera's browser engine handles memory allocation for URL string processing. When encountering specially crafted URL strings, the browser fails to properly manage the memory resources allocated for these strings, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged by attackers to execute arbitrary code. This memory management flaw falls under the category of buffer overflow conditions and memory corruption vulnerabilities, which are classified under CWE-129 in the Common Weakness Enumeration system. The improper handling of string length and memory boundaries creates opportunities for attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to code execution in the context of the browser process.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-3561 extends beyond simple application crashes to encompass full remote code execution capabilities, making it a severe threat to user security. Attackers can craft malicious URLs that, when loaded in the vulnerable Opera browser, will trigger memory corruption leading to arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious websites, phishing emails, or compromised web services. The memory corruption can manifest as heap corruption or stack overflow conditions that allow attackers to inject and execute malicious code within the browser's execution context. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it a prime candidate for automated exploitation.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. The memory corruption nature of the vulnerability makes it suitable for exploitation through various attack chains, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within the victim's system. Organizations using affected Opera versions face significant risk as this vulnerability can be exploited by threat actors to compromise user systems, steal sensitive information, or deploy additional malware. The vulnerability's remote exploitability and potential for arbitrary code execution place it in the high-risk category for enterprise security teams and make it a priority for immediate remediation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-3561 primarily focus on upgrading to Opera version 11.64 or later, which contains the necessary memory allocation fixes. Organizations should also implement network-based protections including web application firewalls and URL filtering systems to block access to known malicious URLs. Browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing strict content security policies, and using sandboxing techniques can provide additional defense layers. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual memory allocation patterns and browser crashes that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems running vulnerable Opera versions and ensure timely patch deployment. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper memory management in browser implementations and the need for comprehensive security testing of core browser components.