CVE-2013-3210 in Web Browser
Summary
by MITRE
Opera before 12.15 does not properly block top-level domains in Set-Cookie headers, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information by leveraging control of a different web site in the same top-level domain.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/02/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2013-3210 affects Opera web browsers version 12.14 and earlier, representing a significant security flaw in cookie handling mechanisms. This issue stems from improper enforcement of cookie domain restrictions, specifically within the Set-Cookie header processing capabilities of the browser. The flaw allows attackers to exploit cross-site scripting vulnerabilities through domain-based cookie manipulation, creating a pathway for unauthorized information disclosure.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in Opera's failure to properly validate top-level domain boundaries when processing Set-Cookie headers. When a web server sends a Set-Cookie header with a domain attribute, the browser should enforce strict domain matching rules to prevent cookies from being set on domains outside the intended scope. However, Opera's implementation allowed cookies to be set on parent domains when the cookie's domain attribute matched the top-level domain of the attacking site, creating a dangerous cross-site cookie injection scenario.
This vulnerability operates under the principles of cross-site scripting attacks and cookie hijacking techniques, enabling attackers to manipulate cookie behavior across different subdomains within the same top-level domain. The attack vector requires the attacker to control a website within the same top-level domain as the target site, which is often achievable through various means including compromised accounts, DNS hijacking, or registration of similar domain names. The flaw essentially undermines the fundamental security model of web cookies, which relies on domain isolation to prevent unauthorized access to session data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, potentially allowing attackers to hijack user sessions, access sensitive data, and perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users. The attack scenario typically involves an attacker controlling a subdomain of a target organization's domain and using the cookie manipulation flaw to set cookies on the parent domain, thereby gaining access to the target site's session information. This represents a significant threat to web application security and user privacy, particularly in environments where multiple subdomains are used for different services within the same organization.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-345 Insufficient Verification of Data Authenticity, specifically addressing weaknesses in cookie domain validation and authentication mechanisms. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this issue maps to techniques involving credential access through cookie manipulation and session hijacking. The flaw demonstrates a critical gap in browser security implementations, highlighting the importance of proper cookie domain enforcement and the potential for domain-based attacks to bypass traditional security controls.
Organizations and users should immediately update to Opera version 12.15 or later, which includes the necessary patches to properly enforce cookie domain restrictions. Additionally, administrators should implement proper monitoring of cookie-related headers and consider deploying web application firewalls that can detect and prevent suspicious cookie manipulation patterns. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date browser software and implementing comprehensive security monitoring strategies to detect and prevent cross-site cookie-based attacks.