CVE-2009-2065 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
Mozilla Firefox 3.0.10, and possibly other versions, detects http content in https web pages only when the top-level frame uses https, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to execute arbitrary web script, in an https site s context, by modifying an http page to include an https iframe that references a script file on an http site, related to "HTTP-Intended-but-HTTPS-Loadable (HPIHSL) pages."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-2065 represents a critical security flaw in Mozilla Firefox 3.0.10 and potentially other versions that stems from improper handling of mixed content within secure contexts. This issue specifically affects how Firefox manages the security boundaries between http and https content, creating a pathway for attackers to bypass security mechanisms designed to protect users from malicious script execution. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-346, which addresses improper verification of data integrity, and relates to the broader class of security issues involving mixed content handling in web browsers. The flaw manifests when an attacker can manipulate an http page to include an https iframe that references a script file on an http site, effectively allowing malicious code execution within a secure context.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability relies on the browser's inconsistent detection of http content within https web pages. Firefox only properly detects and blocks http content when the top-level frame uses https, creating a window of opportunity for attackers to inject malicious scripts through carefully crafted iframe references. This behavior violates the fundamental security principle that content loaded within a secure context should be subject to the same security restrictions regardless of how it was embedded or referenced. The vulnerability specifically impacts the browser's content security policy enforcement, where the security boundary between http and https content becomes porous when certain embedding patterns are used. Attackers can exploit this by modifying an http page to include an https iframe that references a script file on an http site, effectively bypassing the security restrictions that should normally prevent such cross-protocol script execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-2065 is significant as it allows man-in-the-middle attackers to execute arbitrary web script within the context of an https site, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, and other malicious activities. This vulnerability undermines the trust model that users place in secure https connections, as attackers can inject malicious code that appears to originate from a trusted secure site. The attack vector involves modifying http content to include https iframes that reference http script resources, creating a scenario where the browser's security model fails to properly isolate the execution environment. This type of attack falls under the ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which involves application layer protocol manipulation, and specifically targets the browser's content security enforcement mechanisms. The vulnerability creates a persistent security risk that can be exploited across multiple sessions and user interactions, making it particularly dangerous for users who frequently access sensitive websites.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-2065 require both browser updates and user awareness measures to address the underlying security flaw. The primary solution involves updating to a patched version of Firefox that properly enforces security boundaries between http and https content regardless of embedding context. Organizations should implement comprehensive browser security policies that include regular updates and monitoring for vulnerable versions. Users should be educated about the risks of visiting sites that display mixed content warnings and should avoid accessing sensitive accounts on networks that may be compromised. Additional protective measures include implementing network-level security controls such as content filtering and monitoring for suspicious mixed content patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper content security policy implementation and demonstrates why browsers must maintain strict enforcement of security boundaries between different protocol contexts. Network administrators should also consider implementing security headers and monitoring for potential exploitation attempts that involve iframe-based attacks targeting mixed content vulnerabilities.