CVE-2009-3076 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
Mozilla Firefox before 3.0.14 does not properly implement certain dialogs associated with the (1) pkcs11.addmodule and (2) pkcs11.deletemodule operations, which makes it easier for remote attackers to trick a user into installing or removing an arbitrary PKCS11 module.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-3076 affects Mozilla Firefox versions prior to 3.0.14 and stems from improper implementation of dialog interfaces associated with PKCS11 module management operations. This flaw specifically impacts the pkcs11.addmodule and pkcs11.deletemodule functions that handle cryptographic module installations and removals within the browser's security framework. The issue represents a significant security weakness in Firefox's certificate and cryptographic module handling mechanisms, which are critical components of web browser security architecture.
The technical flaw manifests in the insufficient validation and user interface implementation of PKCS11 module management dialogs. When users interact with these functions, Firefox fails to properly verify the authenticity and legitimacy of the cryptographic modules being installed or removed. This lack of proper validation creates an attack surface where malicious actors can craft deceptive dialogs that appear to be legitimate system prompts. The vulnerability enables attackers to manipulate user interactions through social engineering techniques, exploiting the trust users place in seemingly routine security operations. The flaw falls under CWE-611, which addresses improper access control in security systems, specifically targeting the weakness in dialog validation mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, creating a vector for more sophisticated attacks within the browser's security model. Attackers can leverage this weakness to install malicious PKCS11 modules that could intercept cryptographic operations, compromise certificate validation processes, or redirect security-sensitive communications. The ability to trick users into installing arbitrary modules fundamentally undermines the browser's security architecture, as PKCS11 modules are trusted components that handle cryptographic operations. This vulnerability particularly affects users who have administrative privileges or who regularly interact with security-sensitive applications, as it exploits the trust relationship between the browser and its users.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-3076 require immediate patching of affected Firefox installations to version 3.0.14 or later, which contains the necessary dialog validation improvements. Organizations should also implement strict monitoring of PKCS11 module installations and removals within their browser environments, using security tools that can detect unauthorized cryptographic module changes. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 for execution through user interaction, and T1547 for persistence through system modifications. Additional protective measures include user education about suspicious security prompts, implementation of browser security policies that restrict module management operations, and regular security audits of cryptographic module configurations. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that prevent unauthorized cryptographic modules from being installed or loaded within the browser environment.