CVE-2005-2260 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
The browser user interface in Firefox before 1.0.5, Mozilla before 1.7.9, and Netscape 8.0.2 and 7.2 does not properly distinguish between user-generated events and untrusted synthetic events, which makes it easier for remote attackers to perform dangerous actions that normally could only be performed manually by the user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2021
This vulnerability resides in the event handling mechanisms of web browsers, specifically affecting Firefox versions prior to 1.0.5, Mozilla versions prior to 1.7.9, and Netscape versions 8.0.2 and 7.2. The core issue stems from insufficient differentiation between genuine user-generated events and synthetic events that are programmatically created by web content. This flaw creates a critical security gap in the browser's user interface protection model, where malicious web pages can exploit the lack of proper event validation to execute unauthorized actions. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-254 as a weakness in the security model, specifically related to inadequate event handling and privilege separation in user interface components.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to craft malicious web pages that generate synthetic events indistinguishable from legitimate user interactions. When browsers fail to properly validate the source of events, they cannot reliably determine whether an action originates from a human user or from automated script execution. This confusion enables attackers to simulate user actions such as clicking buttons, navigating pages, or triggering security dialogs without actual user consent. The flaw essentially breaks the fundamental security principle that certain operations should only be executable through direct user interaction, as the browser's security model cannot distinguish between trusted and untrusted event sources.
Operationally, this vulnerability creates significant risks for users who browse the internet without proper security measures. Attackers can exploit this weakness to perform actions such as automatically downloading files, submitting forms, or navigating to malicious websites without user awareness or consent. The impact extends beyond simple phishing attacks to potentially enable more sophisticated social engineering campaigns where malicious actors can manipulate browser behavior to perform actions that would normally require explicit user approval. This vulnerability particularly affects scenarios where browsers implement security features that are designed to be triggered only by direct user actions, such as certificate warnings, security prompts, or file download confirmations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve updating affected browser versions to patched releases that properly distinguish between user-generated and synthetic events. The security patches implemented in Firefox 1.0.5, Mozilla 1.7.9, and Netscape 8.0.2/7.2 address the root cause by implementing stricter event validation mechanisms. Organizations should ensure all browser installations are updated to versions that contain these security fixes, as the vulnerability represents a fundamental flaw in browser security architecture. Additionally, users should be educated about the importance of keeping their browser software current and should avoid visiting untrusted websites that may attempt to exploit this vulnerability. The mitigation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script-based attacks and T1203 for exploitation of web browsers, emphasizing the need for proper event handling and user interface security controls.