CVE-2009-1833 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
The JavaScript engine in Mozilla Firefox before 3.0.11, Thunderbird before 2.0.0.22, and SeaMonkey before 1.1.17 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (memory corruption and application crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via vectors related to (1) js_LeaveSharpObject, (2) ParseXMLSource, and (3) a certain assertion in jsinterp.c; and other vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1833 represents a critical security flaw affecting multiple Mozilla applications including Firefox, Thunderbird, and SeaMonkey. This issue resides within the JavaScript engine component that processes and executes JavaScript code within these browsers and email clients. The vulnerability stems from memory corruption issues that can be triggered through specific JavaScript operations, potentially allowing remote attackers to compromise system integrity. The affected versions demonstrate a lack of proper input validation and memory management during JavaScript execution, creating pathways for exploitation that could result in either application crashes or more severe code execution scenarios.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through three primary attack vectors that target different aspects of the JavaScript engine's operation. The first vector involves the js_LeaveSharpObject function, which handles reference counting and object management during JavaScript execution. The second vector targets ParseXMLSource functionality, which processes XML data within JavaScript contexts, and the third vector exploits a specific assertion within the jsinterp.c file that governs the JavaScript interpreter's internal operations. These vectors demonstrate how seemingly innocuous JavaScript operations can trigger memory corruption when the engine fails to properly validate input parameters or manage memory allocation during execution. The vulnerability's classification as potentially enabling arbitrary code execution indicates that successful exploitation could allow attackers to run malicious code with the privileges of the affected application.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-1833 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as the potential for remote code execution creates significant risks for users and organizations. When exploited, these vulnerabilities can lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access to affected systems. The cross-application nature of this vulnerability means that organizations using any of the affected Mozilla products face identical risks, regardless of whether they use Firefox for web browsing, Thunderbird for email, or SeaMonkey for both functions. This widespread impact makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise environments where multiple users may be simultaneously exposed to exploitation attempts through various attack vectors including malicious websites, email attachments, or compromised web content.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of established frameworks such as CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to memory corruption, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations that may result in arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and code injection, where attackers leverage memory corruption flaws to gain elevated system privileges. Organizations should prioritize immediate patch deployment for all affected versions, implementing network segmentation to limit exposure, and monitoring for exploitation attempts through intrusion detection systems. The vulnerability's age and the availability of patches make proactive remediation essential, as the attack surface remains relevant for threat actors seeking to exploit unpatched systems in targeted attacks or automated scanning campaigns.