CVE-2014-5349 in Spark Browser
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Baidu Spark Browser 26.5.9999.3511 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) via nested calls to the window.print JavaScript function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5349 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw discovered in Baidu Spark Browser version 26.5.9999.3511, demonstrating a significant security weakness that enables remote attackers to execute denial of service attacks through specifically crafted JavaScript code. This vulnerability resides within the browser's JavaScript engine implementation and specifically targets the window.print function handling mechanism, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through web-based attacks without requiring local system access. The flaw manifests when the browser processes nested calls to the window.print JavaScript function, creating a scenario where the stack memory allocation becomes corrupted due to insufficient bounds checking. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which occurs when a program writes data beyond the bounds of a stack-allocated buffer, potentially leading to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. The attack vector operates through web content delivery where an attacker crafts malicious web pages containing nested window.print function calls that trigger the buffer overflow condition when executed within the vulnerable browser environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the fundamental memory management practices within the browser's JavaScript execution engine, where recursive or nested function calls to window.print create a scenario where the stack frame grows beyond its allocated boundaries. When multiple nested calls are processed, the browser's memory allocation for handling these function calls becomes insufficient, causing the stack to overflow and corrupt adjacent memory regions. This memory corruption directly impacts the browser's stability and can lead to application crashes, effectively rendering the browser unusable for legitimate users while providing attackers with a reliable denial of service mechanism. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it a passive attack vector that can be easily weaponized. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation and memory boundary checking within the JavaScript engine's function call handling system, which is consistent with common weaknesses found in web browser implementations where complex scripting functions are not properly bounded against excessive recursion or resource consumption.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-5349 extends beyond simple application instability, as it represents a foundational security weakness that could potentially be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. While the immediate effect is denial of service through browser crashes, the underlying buffer overflow condition creates opportunities for attackers to escalate their privileges or execute arbitrary code if proper memory protection mechanisms are not in place. The vulnerability affects users of Baidu Spark Browser specifically, but similar patterns of exploitation could exist in other browsers with comparable JavaScript engine implementations. This flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Scripting, where attackers leverage browser-based scripting languages to execute malicious code. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill, making it accessible to threat actors with basic web security knowledge, while simultaneously providing a reliable method for disrupting legitimate browser usage. Organizations relying on Baidu Spark Browser for business operations face significant risk from this vulnerability, as it can be used to disrupt productivity through targeted denial of service attacks against specific users or entire networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-5349 should focus on immediate browser updates and patches provided by Baidu to address the specific buffer overflow condition in the JavaScript engine. System administrators should implement network-based protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious JavaScript patterns targeting the window.print function, while also ensuring that users are educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and memory boundary checking in browser implementations, suggesting that organizations should consider implementing additional security layers such as sandboxing mechanisms or browser hardening configurations. Regular security assessments should include testing for similar buffer overflow conditions in JavaScript engines, particularly focusing on recursive function handling and memory allocation patterns. Organizations should also monitor for similar vulnerabilities in other browser components and ensure that automated patch management systems are in place to quickly deploy security updates when available. The vulnerability underscores the necessity of following security best practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework, particularly in areas related to input validation, memory management, and secure coding practices for web applications and browser components.