CVE-2002-2061 in Netscape
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in Netscape 6.2.3 and Mozilla 1.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to crash client browsers and execute arbitrary code via a PNG image with large width and height values and an 8-bit or 16-bit alpha channel.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-2061 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow affecting Netscape 6.2.3 and Mozilla 1.0 and earlier versions. This flaw resides in the handling of Portable Network Graphics format image files and demonstrates the inherent risks associated with improper input validation in multimedia processing libraries. The vulnerability specifically targets the image parsing functionality where the application fails to properly validate image dimensions and channel specifications before allocating memory for image data processing.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the way these browsers process PNG image files containing malformed dimensions and alpha channel specifications. When a PNG image with excessively large width and height values is processed, combined with 8-bit or 16-bit alpha channel data, the application's memory allocation routines become compromised. The heap-based buffer overflow occurs because the application calculates memory requirements based on the malformed image dimensions without proper bounds checking, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution.
This vulnerability operates at the intersection of multiple cybersecurity domains and aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient boundary checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent heap memory. The operational impact extends beyond simple browser crashes, as the vulnerability enables remote code execution capabilities that can be exploited by attackers to gain complete control over affected systems. The attack vector requires only a malicious PNG image delivered through web content, making it particularly dangerous for web-based exploitation scenarios.
The attack pattern for CVE-2002-2061 follows standard remote code execution methodologies documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under techniques related to web-based exploitation and memory corruption. The vulnerability demonstrates how image processing libraries can serve as attack surfaces for sophisticated exploitation campaigns, particularly when legacy applications lack proper input sanitization mechanisms. The specific combination of large dimensions and alpha channel specifications creates a precise exploit condition that bypasses typical security measures.
Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected browsers and implement network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious PNG content. Security teams should also consider implementing content filtering solutions that can identify and quarantine suspicious image files. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper memory management practices and input validation in multimedia processing components, aligning with industry best practices outlined in secure coding standards. Additionally, regular security assessments of browser-based applications and their underlying image processing libraries should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other components.