CVE-2004-0722 in Netscape
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the SOAPParameter object constructor in (1) Netscape version 7.0 and 7.1 and (2) Mozilla 1.6, and possibly earlier versions, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/26/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-0722 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the SOAPParameter object constructor implementation in Netscape 7.0 and 7.1 browser versions as well as Mozilla 1.6 and potentially earlier iterations. This issue arises from inadequate input validation and boundary checking during the construction of SOAP parameters, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted input can cause integer arithmetic to exceed maximum representable values. The flaw specifically manifests when the software attempts to allocate memory or process data structures based on user-supplied parameter values that are manipulated to trigger overflow conditions. Such vulnerabilities fall under the CWE-190 category of Integer Overflow or Wraparound, which is a well-documented weakness in software development practices that has been consistently identified as a high-risk security concern in industry assessments.
The technical execution of this vulnerability requires remote attackers to craft specially formatted SOAP requests that exploit the integer overflow condition in the affected browser implementations. When the vulnerable SOAPParameter constructor processes these malicious inputs, the overflow can result in unexpected memory layout changes or buffer overflows that may be leveraged to overwrite critical program memory regions. The attacker-controlled data can manipulate the integer values used for memory allocation or array indexing, potentially leading to memory corruption that allows code execution. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, as it enables remote code execution through web-based attack vectors that target client-side applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple browser exploitation, as it represents a significant threat to web application security and user safety. Users of the affected browser versions face potential compromise through routine web browsing activities, particularly when visiting malicious websites or interacting with compromised web services that utilize SOAP protocols. The vulnerability's presence in widely deployed browser versions means that a large attack surface exists, with potential for widespread exploitation across different user bases. Organizations relying on these browser versions for business operations or secure communications face elevated risk of data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The integer overflow condition creates a direct pathway for attackers to bypass typical security controls and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and integer handling in software development, as even seemingly minor implementation flaws can result in severe security consequences. The exploitation of such vulnerabilities typically requires minimal user interaction beyond normal web browsing, making them particularly dangerous in real-world deployment scenarios. Security professionals must consider this vulnerability within the broader context of software supply chain security and the need for regular updates and patches to address known weaknesses in client-side applications. The affected implementations highlight the necessity of robust memory safety practices and the importance of adhering to secure coding guidelines that prevent integer overflows and related memory corruption vulnerabilities.