CVE-2005-1476 in Netscape
Summary
by MITRE
Firefox 1.0.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary Javascript in other domains by using an IFRAME and causing the browser to navigate to a previous javascript: URL, which can lead to arbitrary code execution when combined with CVE-2005-1477.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/17/2024
This vulnerability represents a sophisticated cross-site scripting attack vector that exploits Firefox's handling of iframe navigation and javascript protocol execution. The flaw exists in Firefox version 1.0.3 where an attacker can manipulate an iframe element to navigate to a previous javascript: URL, creating a situation where arbitrary javascript code can be executed within the context of other domains. This represents a significant bypass of browser security mechanisms that typically isolate different domains from each other. The vulnerability specifically leverages the browser's navigation handling when an iframe attempts to load content via javascript: protocol, allowing malicious code execution that circumvents standard security boundaries.
The technical implementation of this exploit involves creating an iframe element that can be manipulated to navigate to a previous javascript: URL, which causes the browser to execute javascript code in the context of the target domain. This occurs because the browser fails to properly validate or sanitize the navigation context when javascript: URLs are involved in iframe operations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be combined with CVE-2005-1477 to create a complete attack chain that allows for arbitrary code execution. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and improper handling of cross-domain navigation scenarios within the browser's rendering engine.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to perform session hijacking, data theft, and privilege escalation attacks. When combined with CVE-2005-1477, attackers can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the victim user, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This vulnerability affects web applications that rely on browser security boundaries to protect against cross-domain attacks, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users access multiple domains through a single browser instance. The attack can be delivered through malicious websites or compromised web applications, making it difficult to defend against through traditional network security measures.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve implementing proper input validation and sanitization of all iframe navigation operations, particularly those involving javascript: protocol URLs. Browser vendors should ensure that navigation contexts are properly validated and that cross-domain security boundaries are maintained even when javascript: protocol URLs are involved. The recommended approach includes implementing strict origin checking for iframe navigation, proper URL parsing and validation, and ensuring that javascript: protocol execution is properly isolated from other domains. Organizations should also consider implementing content security policies that restrict the execution of javascript code from untrusted sources and ensure that users are running updated versions of Firefox that contain the necessary security patches. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which describes cross-site scripting flaws, and represents a technique that could be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059 for execution through scripting languages, specifically targeting browser-based execution environments.