CVE-2005-2265 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
Firefox before 1.0.5, Mozilla before 1.7.9, and Netscape 8.0.2 and 7.2 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (access violation and crash), and possibly execute arbitrary code, by calling InstallVersion.compareTo with an object instead of a string.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2021
This vulnerability exists in multiple browser implementations including firefox versions before 1.0.5, mozilla versions before 1.7.9, and netscape versions 8.0.2 and 7.2. The flaw occurs when the InstallVersion.compareTo method receives an object parameter instead of a string, creating a critical security issue that can lead to system instability and potential code execution. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and type checking within the browser's version comparison functionality, which is typically used for handling software updates and compatibility checks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic type confusion error where the compareTo method expects a string argument but receives an object type. This mismatch causes the browser's javascript engine to attempt memory operations on invalid data structures, resulting in access violations that manifest as application crashes. According to CWE-189, this represents an integer overflow or underflow condition, while the improper handling of data types falls under CWE-704. The vulnerability can be exploited through malicious web content that triggers the problematic code path during browser operation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enabling remote code execution in certain circumstances. When an attacker crafts malicious web content that invokes the InstallVersion.compareTo method with an object parameter, the browser's memory management can be manipulated to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the browser process. This creates a significant threat vector for attackers seeking to compromise user systems through web-based attacks. The vulnerability affects the core browser functionality and can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious websites, phishing pages, or compromised web content that triggers the vulnerable code path during normal browsing operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of affected browser versions to the corrected releases that properly validate input types before processing. Organizations should implement browser update policies that ensure all systems receive security patches promptly, particularly for critical vulnerabilities like this one. Network administrators can deploy web content filters and security proxies that block access to known malicious domains, while security monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual browser behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping browsers updated to prevent exploitation of such vulnerabilities. The remediation process should also include monitoring for any signs of exploitation attempts and implementing proper incident response procedures to address potential breaches. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and type checking in preventing both denial of service and arbitrary code execution scenarios in browser environments.