CVE-2009-2464 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
The nsXULTemplateQueryProcessorRDF::CheckIsSeparator function in Mozilla Firefox before 3.0.12, SeaMonkey 2.0a1pre, and Thunderbird allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (memory corruption and application crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via vectors related to loading multiple RDF files in a XUL tree element.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2464 represents a critical memory corruption issue affecting Mozilla Firefox versions prior to 3.0.12, SeaMonkey 2.0a1pre, and Thunderbird applications. This flaw exists within the nsXULTemplateQueryProcessorRDF::CheckIsSeparator function which processes RDF (Resource Description Framework) data within XUL tree elements. The vulnerability manifests when applications handle multiple RDF files loaded into XUL tree structures, creating conditions that can lead to unpredictable memory behavior and system instability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of RDF template processing within the XUL framework. When the CheckIsSeparator function processes multiple RDF files, it fails to properly validate or sanitize input data, leading to memory corruption patterns that can result in application crashes or potentially allow remote code execution. The flaw operates at the intersection of RDF data processing, XUL tree rendering, and memory management within the Mozilla application architecture. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition that can lead to memory corruption and is associated with the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution through application-specific vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to potentially enable remote code execution in targeted environments. Attackers can craft malicious RDF files that, when loaded into XUL tree elements, trigger the memory corruption within the CheckIsSeparator function. This allows adversaries to either crash applications completely or potentially inject and execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. The vulnerability's exploitability is enhanced by the widespread use of XUL tree elements in Mozilla-based applications and the ability to deliver malicious RDF content through web pages or email attachments. The memory corruption can manifest as heap corruption, stack corruption, or other forms of memory management errors that can be leveraged for privilege escalation or further exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-2464 require immediate application updates to patched versions of Firefox, SeaMonkey, and Thunderbird. Organizations should implement network-level controls to restrict access to potentially malicious RDF content and establish monitoring for unusual application crashes or memory usage patterns. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the loading of external RDF files into XUL tree elements. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management in complex application frameworks, particularly when handling structured data formats like RDF within user interface components. Regular security assessments of XUL-based applications and comprehensive patch management programs are essential for preventing exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.