CVE-2006-2777 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Mozilla Firefox before 1.5.0.4 and SeaMonkey before 1.0.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by using the nsISelectionPrivate interface of the Selection object to add a SelectionListener and create notifications that are executed in a privileged context.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2025
This vulnerability resides in the browser security model of mozilla firefox and seamonkey applications prior to versions 1.5.0.4 and 1.0.2 respectively. The flaw exists within the nsISelectionPrivate interface which is part of the selection object handling mechanism. Attackers can exploit this issue by manipulating the Selection object to add a SelectionListener that creates notifications which execute within a privileged context. This represents a classic sandbox escape vulnerability where untrusted web content can potentially gain elevated privileges. The vulnerability falls under the category of privilege escalation and code execution in web browsers, with implications for the overall security architecture of these applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of the DOM selection interface to register event listeners that can trigger execution of malicious code within the browser's privileged execution environment. When a web page adds a SelectionListener through the nsISelectionPrivate interface, it can cause notifications to be generated that execute in a context with elevated privileges. This creates a pathway for attackers to bypass normal security boundaries that should prevent untrusted content from executing privileged operations. The flaw demonstrates a failure in proper privilege boundary enforcement within the browser's selection handling subsystem.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems without requiring any local privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. This type of vulnerability can be exploited through drive-by downloads or malicious web pages that leverage the selection interface to execute malicious scripts with elevated privileges. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it affects core browser functionality and can be triggered through normal browsing activities. This vulnerability can lead to complete system compromise, data theft, and persistent backdoor installation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate upgrade to patched versions of firefox 1.5.0.4 and seamonkey 1.0.2, which contain the necessary security fixes to prevent the privilege escalation. Organizations should also implement network-based security controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems to detect and block malicious web content. Browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary javascript features and implementing strict content security policies can further reduce the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability aligns with attack patterns described in the attack tree methodology where privilege escalation through interface manipulation represents a common exploitation vector. This issue is categorized under cwe-264 permissions, privileges, and access controls, and maps to techniques in the attack pattern taxonomy related to browser sandbox bypassing and privilege escalation attacks.