Long URLs Cause Security Flaw in Opera BrowserIn an advisory issued this week, Opera detailed a flaw in its browser with regard to the software that handles 'long links'. The exploitation of this vulnerability could enable running malware in a victim's computer. Explaining the vulnerability in the Opera browser, Secunia said it could be exploited to compromise a user's PC. The vulnerability is a result of a 'boundary error' while surfing 'overly long' URLs. Taking advantage of transmitting 'overly long' URL having more than 250 bytes can create a 'heap-based buffer overflow'. If the exploitation succeeds, it can let the execution of an arbitrary code through a malicious website. The vulnerability exists in version 9.0 and 9.01 on Windows and Linux. Version 8.x remains unaffected. Opera developers consider the risk as moderate although admit of its potential crash. 'Opera Software' released 'Opera 9.02' version of the browser in September, ready for download. This new version does not contain the flaw any more. As per recommendations, users of earlier versions should update to the new version as early as possible. 'Heap overflows' are the cause of nearly 50 percent of the critical security loopholes. Like the previous 'stack-based buffer overflow', attackers can exploit this error to inject and run any code they desire. The error can convert even image files into dangerous 'Trojan horses'. Since the past two years, browsers have been the major targets of online attack. This trend has been escaped by Opera since long. The 'zero-day' attacks have hit Microsoft's Internet Explorer by using the then unknown browser flaws. Opera users are urgently advised to upgrade to the recent version of the browser. Related article: Long Delays in Emails Are Really Due to Spam » SPAMfighter News - 10/25/2006 |
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