CVE-2007-5335 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
Mozilla Firefox 2.0 before 2.0.0.8 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive system information by using the addMicrosummaryGenerator sidebar method to access file: URIs.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5335 represents a critical security flaw in Mozilla Firefox version 2.0 prior to 2.0.0.8 that enables remote attackers to extract sensitive system information through improper handling of file URI access within the browser's sidebar functionality. This vulnerability specifically leverages the addMicrosummaryGenerator method to bypass normal security restrictions that should prevent web content from accessing local file system resources. The flaw exists in the browser's implementation of the sidebar API which fails to properly enforce security boundaries between web content and local system resources.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the addMicrosummaryGenerator function which is designed to allow web pages to register microsummary generators for sidebar functionality. Attackers can craft malicious web content that utilizes this method to access file: URIs that should normally be restricted to prevent unauthorized system information disclosure. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within Firefox's sidebar implementation, allowing arbitrary file URI access through the microsummary generator registration process. This represents a classic case of improper access control where web content can bypass the browser's security model to access local files that contain sensitive system information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows attackers to obtain potentially sensitive system information including file paths, system configurations, and other locally stored data that could aid in further exploitation attempts. The ability to access file: URIs through the sidebar functionality means that attackers can potentially read system files, configuration data, and other sensitive information that should remain protected from web-based access. This vulnerability particularly affects users who visit malicious websites or are tricked into viewing compromised content that exploits this flaw to gather intelligence about the target system. The exposure of system information through this vector could enable attackers to plan more sophisticated attacks or identify additional vulnerabilities within the target environment.
This vulnerability maps to CWE-200, which describes improper access control in software systems, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers file and directory discovery. The flaw demonstrates a failure in the browser's security model to properly isolate web content from local system resources, creating an information disclosure pathway that violates fundamental security principles. The attack vector specifically targets the browser's sidebar functionality and microsummary generator API, which are legitimate features but were implemented without proper security boundaries. Organizations using affected Firefox versions should prioritize patching to prevent exploitation, as this vulnerability represents a direct threat to system confidentiality and could lead to more serious compromise scenarios. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and access control implementation in web browser security models, particularly for features that interface with local system resources.
The remediation for this vulnerability requires immediate installation of Firefox 2.0.0.8 or later versions which contain patches addressing the improper access control in the sidebar API implementation. Security administrators should also consider implementing additional network-level protections and monitoring for suspicious file URI access patterns, though the primary mitigation involves updating to patched browser versions. Organizations should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected Firefox versions and ensure comprehensive patch management processes are in place to prevent similar issues in the future.