CVE-2005-0527 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
Firefox 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via plugins that load "privileged content" into frames, as demonstrated using certain XUL events when a user drags a scrollbar two times, aka "Firescrolling."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/30/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0527 represents a critical security flaw in Mozilla Firefox version 1.0 that enables remote code execution through improper handling of privileged content within browser frames. This vulnerability specifically exploits the browser's plugin architecture and XUL (XML User Interface Language) event handling mechanisms to bypass security restrictions that should prevent untrusted content from accessing privileged operations. The flaw manifests when certain XUL events are triggered during user interactions with scrollbars, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in Firefox's inadequate sandboxing and privilege separation mechanisms within its plugin system. When users interact with scrollbars through specific drag operations, the browser's handling of XUL events creates opportunities for malicious plugins to load privileged content into frames that should remain restricted. This represents a classic browser sandbox escape vulnerability where the security boundaries between privileged and unprivileged content are improperly enforced. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-264 as a privilege escalation issue and falls within the ATT&CK framework under T1059.007 for script execution through web browsers, specifically targeting the browser's plugin subsystem.
The operational impact of Firescrolling is severe as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on victim systems without requiring any local privileges or user interaction beyond normal browsing activities. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that, when visited by a victim using Firefox 1.0, automatically trigger the vulnerability through user interface interactions such as scrollbar manipulation. This makes the attack vector particularly dangerous as it can be delivered through standard web browsing without requiring additional malicious software installation or complex social engineering techniques. The vulnerability affects all users running Firefox 1.0 and can be exploited across different operating systems where the browser is installed.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Firefox installations to version 1.0.1 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes to prevent privileged content loading through the exploited XUL event handling paths. Organizations should implement comprehensive browser security policies that include mandatory security updates, regular vulnerability assessments, and monitoring for exploitation attempts. Additionally, security professionals should consider implementing network-based protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious XUL content patterns, while also ensuring that browser plugin management is properly configured to restrict potentially dangerous plugin interactions. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date browser software and demonstrates the necessity of robust privilege separation in browser security architectures.