iDefense Security Advisory 07.19.07: Opera Software Opera Web Browser BitTorrent Dangling Pointer Vulnerability
Opera Software Opera Web Browser BitTorrent Dangling Pointer Vulnerability
iDefense Security Advisory 07.19.07
http://labs.idefense.com/intelligence/vulnerabilities/
Jul 19, 2007
I. BACKGROUND
Opera is a cross-platform web browser. More information is available at
http://www.opera.com/
II. DESCRIPTION
Remote exploitation of a dangling pointer vulnerability in Opera
Software ASA's Opera web browser could allow an attacker to execute
arbitrary code with the privileges of the logged in user.
Opera 9.2 supports BitTorrent downloads. When parsing a specially
crafted BitTorrent header, Opera uses memory that has already been
freed. This can result in an invalid object pointer being dereferenced,
and may allow for the execution of arbitrary code. The vulnerability is
triggered when the user right clicks on the transfer and removes it.
III. ANALYSIS
Exploitation of this vulnerability allows an attacker to execute
arbitrary code on the affected host with the privileges of the logged
in user.
The attacker must persuade a vulnerable user into clicking a link to a
BitTorrent file. The targeted user must subsequently remove the entry
from the download pane. The requirement to remove the torrent is not
considered to be a mitigating factor since it is natural for a user to
attempt to do so when a transfer is not progressing.
IV. DETECTION
iDefense has confirmed the existence of this vulnerability in Opera
version 9.21 on Windows. Previous versions may also be affected.
V. WORKAROUND
iDefense is currently unaware of any workarounds for this issue.
VI. VENDOR RESPONSE
Version 9.22 of Opera has been released to address this issue. More
information can be found at the following URL.
http://www.opera.com/support/search/view/862/
VII. CVE INFORMATION
A Mitre Corp. Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) number has not
been assigned yet.
VIII. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE
06/06/2007 Initial vendor notification
06/06/2007 Initial vendor response
07/19/2007 Coordinated public disclosure
IX. CREDIT
This vulnerability was reported to iDefense by enhalos.
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X. LEGAL NOTICES
Copyright © 2007 iDefense, Inc.
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at the time of publishing based on currently available information. Use
of the information constitutes acceptance for use in an AS IS condition.
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