CVE-2007-1092 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
Mozilla Firefox 1.5.0.9 and 2.0.0.1, and SeaMonkey before 1.0.8 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via JavaScript onUnload handlers that modify the structure of a document, wich triggers memory corruption due to the lack of a finalize hook on DOM window objects.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2025
This vulnerability affects mozilla firefox versions 1509 and 2001 as well as seamonkey versions prior to 108 and represents a critical memory corruption flaw that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code remotely. The issue stems from insufficient memory management within the javascript engine when processing onunload handlers that modify document structure. when a javascript onunload event handler attempts to manipulate dom elements while the document is being destroyed, the absence of proper finalize hooks on dom window objects creates a race condition that leads to memory corruption.
The technical flaw occurs within the javascript engine's garbage collection process where dom window objects lack proper cleanup mechanisms during document destruction phases. when onunload handlers execute and attempt to modify document structure, the javascript engine fails to properly manage memory references to the window object, resulting in dangling pointers and memory corruption. this memory corruption can be leveraged by remote attackers to overwrite critical memory locations and execute malicious code with the privileges of the browser process. the vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to exploit the memory corruption through javascript code running in a web page context, making it accessible via standard web browsing without requiring any special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables remote code execution in the context of the firefox browser process, potentially allowing attackers to install malware, steal user data, or establish persistent access to compromised systems. the vulnerability affects a wide range of browser versions making it particularly dangerous for users who have not updated their software. security researchers have classified this as a memory corruption vulnerability that can be exploited through javascript injection, making it a significant threat in web-based attack scenarios.
Mitigation strategies include immediate updating to patched versions of firefox and seamonkey where the finalize hooks have been properly implemented for dom window objects. users should also employ additional security measures such as disabling javascript execution in untrusted contexts, using browser security extensions, and maintaining current security patches for all browser components. organizations should implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and ensure that all browser installations are kept current with security updates. this vulnerability aligns with cwe 122 heap based buffer overflow and follows attack patterns described in the attack tree framework where javascript based memory corruption leads to privilege escalation. the fix implemented by mozilla involved adding proper finalize hooks to dom window objects during document destruction to prevent the memory corruption scenario that enabled remote code execution.