CVE-2009-0776 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
nsIRDFService in Mozilla Firefox before 3.0.7, Thunderbird before 2.0.0.21, and SeaMonkey before 1.1.15 allows remote attackers to bypass the same-origin policy and read XML data from another domain via a cross-domain redirect.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-0776 represents a critical security flaw in the nsIRDFService component of Mozilla Firefox, Thunderbird, and SeaMonkey applications. This issue stems from improper implementation of the same-origin policy mechanism that governs how web browsers handle cross-domain requests and data access. The vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to Firefox 3.0.7, Thunderbird 2.0.0.21, and SeaMonkey 1.1.15, indicating a widespread exposure across multiple Mozilla-based applications that were prevalent during the late 2000s.
The technical flaw manifests through a cross-domain redirect attack vector that enables remote attackers to circumvent browser security boundaries. When a malicious actor crafts a specific cross-domain redirect, the nsIRDFService component fails to properly validate the origin of XML data being accessed, allowing unauthorized retrieval of sensitive information from different domains. This bypass occurs at the core networking and data processing layer where RDF (Resource Description Framework) service components handle XML data integration and retrieval operations. The vulnerability essentially permits attackers to exploit the browser's XML data handling mechanisms to access resources that should be restricted by the same-origin policy.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, potentially enabling data theft, information disclosure, and cross-site scripting attacks. Attackers could leverage this flaw to access XML feeds, configuration data, or other sensitive information from third-party domains that the browser normally would not permit access to. The implications extend beyond simple data theft, as this vulnerability could facilitate more sophisticated attacks including session hijacking, credential theft, or the exploitation of other vulnerabilities that depend on access to cross-domain resources. Security researchers have classified this as a high-risk vulnerability due to its potential for remote code execution and data exfiltration when combined with other attack vectors.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code" and specifically relates to issues in how applications handle dynamic code generation and data access. The flaw also maps to ATT&CK technique T1071.004, "Application Layer Protocol: DNS," as it involves manipulating application layer protocols to bypass security controls. Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement patch management protocols to upgrade to the fixed versions of Firefox, Thunderbird, and SeaMonkey. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious cross-domain redirect patterns. The mitigation strategy should include comprehensive browser security updates, regular vulnerability assessments, and security awareness training for users to recognize potential social engineering attacks that might exploit this vulnerability.