CVE-2009-1310 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the MozSearch plugin implementation in Mozilla Firefox before 3.0.9 allows user-assisted remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a javascript: URI in the SearchForm element.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/02/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1310 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Mozilla Firefox's MozSearch plugin implementation. This vulnerability existed in Firefox versions prior to 3.0.9 and enabled malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML content through crafted javascript: URIs within the SearchForm element. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the browser's search functionality, creating an exploitable entry point for remote attackers who can manipulate search form parameters to inject malicious code.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through user-assisted attack vectors where an attacker must convince a victim to interact with a maliciously crafted web page containing the vulnerable javascript: URI. When the victim performs a search operation using the manipulated form element, the browser executes the injected script within the context of the victim's browsing session. This flaw directly maps to CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting vulnerabilities as weaknesses in input validation and output encoding. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic example of improper neutralization of input during web application development, where user-provided data is not adequately sanitized before being processed or displayed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it allows attackers to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive information, modify web page content, and potentially redirect users to malicious websites. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to impersonate legitimate users, access protected resources, or exfiltrate cookies and other session data. The user-assisted nature of the attack means that social engineering plays a significant role in exploitation, as victims must be convinced to interact with compromised web content. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which describes social engineering tactics used to gain initial access to systems through phishing or malicious links.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of affected Firefox versions to 3.0.9 or later, where Mozilla implemented proper input validation and sanitization for search form elements. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious javascript: URI patterns, employ content security policies to restrict script execution, and conduct regular security assessments of web applications to identify similar input validation flaws. Browser security updates should be prioritized and deployed immediately upon release, as this vulnerability represents a high-risk threat that could be exploited in the wild. Additionally, user education regarding suspicious web content and the importance of keeping browsers updated remains crucial in defending against such attacks. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust input validation and output encoding practices in web application development, emphasizing the need for defense-in-depth strategies that combine multiple security controls to protect against cross-site scripting attacks.