CVE-2009-2662 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
The browser engine in Mozilla Firefox 3.5.x before 3.5.2 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (memory corruption and application crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via vectors related to the TraceRecorder::snapshot function in js/src/jstracer.cpp, and unspecified other vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2662 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within the JavaScript engine of Mozilla Firefox 3.5.x versions prior to 3.5.2. This issue resides in the TraceRecorder::snapshot function located in js/src/jstracer.cpp, which is part of the JavaScript Just-In-Time compilation engine known as TraceMonkey. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with a heap-based buffer overflow or use-after-free condition that can be triggered through malicious web content, making it particularly dangerous in a browser context where users frequently encounter untrusted code.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the JavaScript engine's optimization mechanisms to execute malicious code through carefully crafted JavaScript code that exploits the TraceRecorder::snapshot function. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate memory structures in ways that can lead to application crashes or potentially enable arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read and CWE-787 as an out-of-bounds write, representing the fundamental memory safety issues that plague modern JavaScript engines. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple denial of service as it can be weaponized to deliver malware payloads or establish persistent access to compromised systems.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses significant risk to Firefox users as it can be exploited through standard web browsing activities without requiring any special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting malicious websites. The attack surface is broad since any web page containing malicious JavaScript code can trigger the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or compromised websites. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript execution and T1499.004 for network denial of service, demonstrating how such flaws can be leveraged for both immediate disruption and more sophisticated attack chains.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires attackers to craft specific JavaScript code that can trigger the memory corruption in the TraceRecorder::snapshot function, potentially leading to remote code execution or system compromise. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise environments where users may inadvertently encounter malicious content through email attachments, web browsing, or compromised websites. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution vector places it in the highest severity category for browser-based attacks and demonstrates the critical importance of timely security updates.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate patch deployment for Firefox 3.5.2 and subsequent versions, which contain fixes for the memory corruption issues in the JavaScript engine. Organizations should implement automated patch management systems to ensure all browsers are updated promptly, as this vulnerability can be exploited without user interaction. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and content filtering solutions can provide additional layers of protection by blocking known malicious JavaScript patterns. Security teams should also consider implementing browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary JavaScript features, using sandboxing technologies, and monitoring for unusual memory allocation patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and demonstrates how seemingly minor flaws in complex software systems can lead to significant security risks.