CVE-2005-2263 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
The InstallTrigger.install method in Firefox before 1.0.5 and Mozilla before 1.7.9 allows remote attackers to execute a callback function in the context of another domain by forcing a page navigation after the install method has been called, which causes the callback to be run in the context of the new page and results in a same origin violation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-2263 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in the Firefox browser and Mozilla application suite that emerged prior to version 1.0.5 and 1.7.9 respectively. This security weakness specifically targets the InstallTrigger.install method which was designed to enable web pages to programmatically install Firefox extensions. The flaw exploited a fundamental issue in how the browser handled callback execution within the context of extension installation processes, creating a dangerous privilege escalation vector that could be leveraged by malicious actors to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of callback functions within the InstallTrigger.install method. When a web page invoked this method to install an extension, the callback function intended to execute upon installation completion would be scheduled to run in a specific execution context. However, the flaw allowed attackers to manipulate page navigation sequences such that when the callback was eventually executed, it would run in the context of a different domain rather than the original page that initiated the installation. This created a scenario where the callback function could be executed with the privileges and security context of the new page, effectively bypassing the same origin policy that normally prevents cross-domain script execution.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability posed significant risks to users of affected browser versions as it enabled attackers to perform malicious actions that would normally be restricted by browser security policies. The flaw could be exploited to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of different domains, potentially allowing for session hijacking, data exfiltration, or the installation of malicious extensions that could persist across user sessions. Security researchers classified this issue as particularly dangerous because it could be combined with other vulnerabilities to create more sophisticated attack vectors, and the exploitation required minimal user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code" and specifically addresses issues related to code execution in unintended contexts. Additionally, this flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript," as it enabled malicious JavaScript execution through legitimate browser APIs. The attack vector relied on social engineering to convince users to visit compromised websites, but once executed, the exploit could operate automatically without further user interaction. Organizations and security professionals had to implement immediate mitigations including browser updates, content security policy enforcement, and user education about avoiding untrusted websites that could potentially host malicious content exploiting this vulnerability.