CVE-2005-1532 in Mozilla
Summary
by MITRE
Firefox before 1.0.4 and Mozilla Suite before 1.7.8 do not properly limit privileges of Javascript eval and Script objects in the calling context, which allows remote attackers to conduct unauthorized activities via "non-DOM property overrides," a variant of CVE-2005-1160.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-1532 represents a critical privilege escalation issue affecting Mozilla Firefox versions prior to 1.0.4 and the Mozilla Suite versions before 1.7.8. This flaw resides in the JavaScript engine's handling of eval and Script objects, specifically concerning how these constructs interact with the calling context's privilege levels. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to bypass security restrictions that should normally prevent JavaScript code from accessing or modifying privileged properties, creating a pathway for unauthorized activities within the browser environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient privilege checking mechanisms within the JavaScript execution environment. When JavaScript code executes eval or creates Script objects, the browser should maintain strict boundaries between privileged and unprivileged contexts. However, the flaw enables attackers to manipulate the calling context in such a way that non-DOM property overrides can be performed, effectively allowing malicious code to access or modify properties that should remain restricted. This issue is particularly dangerous because it operates at the core of JavaScript's security model, where the eval function and Script objects are fundamental building blocks for dynamic code execution.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for users browsing the internet, as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The attack vector typically involves malicious web pages that contain carefully crafted JavaScript code designed to exploit this privilege escalation mechanism. Once successfully exploited, attackers could potentially access sensitive user data, modify browser settings, inject malicious content, or even gain access to system resources that should be protected from web-based JavaScript execution. The vulnerability essentially undermines the security model that separates web content from system-level operations, creating a direct pathway for privilege escalation attacks.
The security implications of CVE-2005-1532 align with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems. This classification reflects the fundamental flaw in privilege management where the JavaScript engine fails to properly enforce access restrictions. The vulnerability also relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers JavaScript-based execution, as attackers can leverage this flaw to execute malicious JavaScript code with elevated privileges. Additionally, the issue connects to T1555.003, which covers credential access through browser-based attacks, as compromised browsers can lead to unauthorized access to user accounts and sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected browser versions, as the flaw cannot be effectively addressed through configuration changes or workarounds. Users should upgrade to Firefox 1.0.4 or later and Mozilla Suite 1.7.8 or later, where the privilege checking mechanisms have been properly implemented. Security administrators should also implement network-level protections such as content filtering and web application firewalls to prevent access to known malicious sites. Additionally, browser hardening practices should be implemented, including disabling unnecessary JavaScript features, implementing strict security policies, and regularly monitoring for suspicious browser behavior. Organizations should also consider implementing browser sandboxing technologies and regular security assessments to detect potential exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. The fix implemented in the patched versions addresses the core privilege checking mechanism by ensuring that eval and Script objects properly respect the calling context's privilege levels, thereby preventing unauthorized property access and modification.