CVE-2007-3738 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple unspecified vulnerabilities in Mozilla Firefox before 2.0.0.5 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted XPCNativeWrapper.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3738 represents a critical security flaw in Mozilla Firefox versions prior to 2.0.0.5 that enables remote code execution through maliciously crafted XPCNativeWrapper objects. This vulnerability falls under the category of unspecified multiple vulnerabilities, indicating that the specific technical details of each flaw were not fully disclosed in the initial advisory but collectively pose a severe threat to user security. The XPCNativeWrapper mechanism in Firefox serves as a bridge between JavaScript and native code, facilitating communication between the browser's JavaScript engine and underlying system components. When improperly handled, this wrapper can be exploited to bypass security restrictions and execute arbitrary code on the victim's system. The attack vector involves delivering a specially crafted web page containing malicious XPCNativeWrapper content that, when processed by the vulnerable browser, triggers the execution of unauthorized code with the privileges of the browser process.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the inherent trust model within Firefox's JavaScript environment and its interaction with native system components. XPCNativeWrapper objects are designed to provide JavaScript access to native C++ objects, but in the affected versions, insufficient validation and sanitization of these wrapper objects allowed attackers to manipulate the underlying native code execution flow. This flaw typically operates through a combination of memory corruption techniques and privilege escalation methods that exploit the browser's security boundaries. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic sandbox bypass scenario where the JavaScript execution environment can be manipulated to gain access to system-level operations that should normally be restricted. Such attacks often involve crafting malicious JavaScript code that creates or manipulates XPCNativeWrapper objects in ways that circumvent Firefox's security policies and execute code outside the intended browser sandbox.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-3738 is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with complete remote code execution capabilities on affected systems. Once successfully exploited, attackers can install malware, modify system files, steal sensitive information, or establish persistent backdoors without user interaction or awareness. The vulnerability affects a broad range of users since Firefox was widely deployed across different operating systems, making it an attractive target for mass exploitation campaigns. Organizations and individuals using vulnerable versions face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The exploitability of this vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be delivered through standard web browsing activities, making it difficult for users to defend against without updating their browser software. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the CIA triad by compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems and data.
The remediation and mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-3738 center exclusively on upgrading to Firefox version 2.0.0.5 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the XPCNativeWrapper handling issues. System administrators should prioritize immediate deployment of the security update across all affected systems while implementing network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should consider implementing additional security measures such as browser hardening configurations, content filtering solutions, and regular security assessments to reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, demonstrating how browser-based vulnerabilities can be leveraged for broader system compromise. Security professionals should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious JavaScript execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments and maintain updated threat intelligence to identify similar vulnerabilities that might exist in other browser components or related software ecosystems. The incident underscores the importance of timely security patch management and continuous monitoring of browser security updates to maintain effective defenses against evolving threats.