CVE-2005-0989 in Netscape
Summary
by MITRE
The find_replen function in jsstr.c in the Javascript engine for Mozilla Suite 1.7.6, Firefox 1.0.1 and 1.0.2, and Netscape 7.2 allows remote attackers to read portions of heap memory in a Javascript string via the lambda replace method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0989 represents a critical heap memory disclosure issue within the JavaScript engine of several prominent web browsers including Mozilla Suite 1.7.6 Firefox 1.0.1 and 1.0.2 and Netscape 7.2. This flaw exists in the find_replen function located within the jsstr.c file which is part of the JavaScript engine implementation. The vulnerability specifically manifests when utilizing the lambda replace method in JavaScript string operations, creating a scenario where remote attackers can potentially access sensitive data stored in heap memory.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking and memory management within the JavaScript string handling mechanisms. When the find_replen function processes replacement operations in JavaScript strings, it fails to adequately validate memory boundaries during the lambda replacement process. This inadequate validation allows attackers to manipulate the replacement function in such a way that portions of the heap memory become accessible through the JavaScript execution context. The flaw operates at the intersection of memory management and string processing, where the JavaScript engine's internal memory allocation patterns become exploitable through carefully crafted input sequences.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides remote attackers with the capability to extract potentially sensitive information from heap memory locations. This includes but is not limited to previously freed memory segments, internal data structures, or other sensitive information that may be stored in adjacent memory regions. The vulnerability can be exploited through web pages that execute JavaScript code, making it particularly dangerous in web browser environments where users may unknowingly encounter malicious content. The disclosed memory segments could contain session tokens, cryptographic keys, user data, or other confidential information that could be leveraged for further attacks or exploitation.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-125 Out-of-bounds Read which describes situations where software reads data from memory locations outside the intended buffer boundaries. The flaw also relates to ATT&CK technique T1555.003 Credentials from Password Stores where the leaked heap memory could potentially contain authentication tokens or credentials. The attack vector demonstrates the classic pattern of memory corruption vulnerabilities where improper input validation leads to information disclosure. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader threat landscape that includes memory safety issues and should implement comprehensive mitigation strategies including browser updates, security patches, and runtime protections to prevent exploitation of similar memory-related vulnerabilities.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability primarily involves updating to patched versions of the affected software products. Mozilla released security updates for all affected versions including Mozilla Suite 1.7.7 Firefox 1.0.3 and Netscape 7.3 which contained fixes for the memory handling issues in the JavaScript engine. Additionally organizations should implement proper input validation mechanisms, consider runtime protections such as address space layout randomization, and maintain updated security monitoring systems to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough memory management practices in interpreted languages and the critical need for regular security updates in web browser environments to protect against information disclosure attacks.