CVE-2005-2270 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
Firefox before 1.0.5 and Mozilla before 1.7.9 does not properly clone base objects, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by navigating the prototype chain to reach a privileged object.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/17/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-2270 represents a critical security flaw in the JavaScript engine of Mozilla Firefox and Mozilla Suite versions prior to 1.0.5 and 1.7.9 respectively. This issue stems from improper handling of object cloning mechanisms within the browser's JavaScript implementation, specifically affecting how the prototype chain is managed during object creation and manipulation. The flaw exists at the core of the browser's object model implementation, where the cloning process fails to properly isolate privileged objects from user-controlled code execution contexts.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the JavaScript prototype chain, which is a fundamental mechanism in the language that enables object inheritance and method sharing. When the browser attempts to clone objects, particularly those with privileged access to system resources or browser internals, the cloning process does not adequately separate the cloned object from its original privileged context. This allows remote attackers to traverse the prototype chain and access objects that should remain protected, potentially enabling them to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability specifically targets the way base objects are cloned, creating a path for attackers to bypass security boundaries that normally protect sensitive browser components from user-controlled JavaScript execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, as it allows remote code execution without user interaction, making it particularly dangerous for web-based attacks. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that, when loaded in affected browsers, exploit the prototype chain traversal to gain access to privileged browser objects. This could enable attackers to perform actions such as reading or modifying sensitive data, executing arbitrary commands on the victim's system, or even escalating privileges to gain full control over the browser process. The vulnerability affects not just individual user sessions but represents a fundamental flaw in the browser's security architecture that could be exploited across multiple websites and applications.
This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-124: Buffer Underread and CWE-125: Out-of-bounds Read, as the improper object cloning creates memory access patterns that can lead to unauthorized data access and execution. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007: Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, where adversaries leverage browser-based scripting environments to execute malicious code. Additionally, the flaw demonstrates characteristics of privilege escalation through object manipulation, similar to techniques described in ATT&CK technique T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation. The vulnerability also relates to T1555.003: Credentials from Password Stores: Credentials Injection, as the compromised browser process could potentially access stored credentials or sensitive information. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of Firefox and Mozilla Suite, implementing network-based protections such as content filtering, and monitoring for suspicious JavaScript behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The fix required for this vulnerability involved correcting the object cloning mechanism to ensure proper isolation of privileged objects during the cloning process, preventing unauthorized access to browser internals through prototype chain manipulation.