CVE-2012-6465 in Web Browser
Summary
by MITRE
Opera before 12.10 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via a malformed SVG image.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-6465 represents a critical security flaw in Opera web browsers prior to version 12.10, specifically affecting the browser's handling of Scalable Vector Graphics image formats. This vulnerability exists within the browser's rendering engine where it fails to properly validate and process malformed SVG images, creating a potential attack vector for remote code execution or denial of service conditions. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that allow maliciously crafted SVG content to trigger unexpected behavior in the browser's graphics processing subsystem.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of input boundaries, and CWE-787, concerning out-of-bounds writes in buffer operations. When Opera encounters a malformed SVG image, the browser's parser does not adequately sanitize the input data, leading to memory corruption issues that can be exploited by attackers. The vulnerability typically manifests when the browser attempts to render an SVG file containing malformed elements or excessive data structures that exceed expected parameter limits. This processing error can result in stack or heap corruption, which may enable attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the browser process.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to users who may inadvertently encounter malicious SVG content through various attack vectors including compromised websites, email attachments, or malicious advertisements. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not require physical access to target systems, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users frequently browse untrusted content. The potential for both remote code execution and denial of service creates dual threat scenarios that can compromise system integrity and availability simultaneously. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access to compromised systems, steal sensitive data, or disrupt business operations through service interruption.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond individual user exposure to encompass broader security implications for web application security and browser hardening practices. Organizations running older versions of Opera browsers face increased risk of successful exploitation, particularly in environments where browser updates are not regularly applied. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability when assessing browser security postures and implementing defense-in-depth strategies. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1203, which covers exploitation for privilege escalation, and T1499, addressing network denial of service attacks. Mitigation strategies include immediate deployment of Opera version 12.10 or later, implementation of web content filtering solutions, and regular security updates to prevent exploitation. Additionally, organizations should consider browser sandboxing mechanisms and network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.