CVE-2010-0183 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in the nsCycleCollector::MarkRoots function in Mozilla Firefox 3.5.x before 3.5.10 and SeaMonkey before 2.0.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted HTML document, related to an improper frame construction process for menus.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-0183 represents a critical use-after-free condition within the cycle collection mechanism of Mozilla Firefox and SeaMonkey browsers. This flaw exists in the nsCycleCollector::MarkRoots function which is responsible for managing memory cleanup operations in the browser's JavaScript engine. The issue specifically manifests when processing crafted HTML documents that contain improperly constructed menu elements, creating a scenario where memory previously freed by the cycle collector is accessed after deallocation, leading to potential code execution.
This vulnerability operates at the intersection of memory management and browser rendering processes, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through web content without requiring any special user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. The use-after-free condition occurs during the frame construction process for menu elements, where the browser's garbage collection system fails to properly track references to objects that are simultaneously being destroyed and accessed. The flaw stems from inadequate reference counting mechanisms that allow objects to be freed from memory while still being referenced by other components within the browser's rendering pipeline.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential system compromise and data theft. Attackers can leverage this weakness to inject malicious code that executes with the privileges of the browser process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects a broad range of browser versions including Firefox 3.5.x versions prior to 3.5.10 and SeaMonkey versions prior to 2.0.5, representing a significant portion of the browser user base at the time of disclosure. This makes it particularly attractive to threat actors who can exploit the vulnerability through various delivery mechanisms including phishing emails, compromised websites, or drive-by downloads.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions in memory management. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a code injection technique under the T1059.007 sub-technique, where adversaries leverage browser vulnerabilities to execute arbitrary code. The remediation approach requires immediate patching of affected browser versions, with the security update addressing the improper reference tracking in the cycle collector's MarkRoots function. Organizations should implement network-based protections including web application firewalls and content filtering systems to prevent access to known malicious domains while ensuring all browser installations are updated to patched versions.
The technical complexity of this vulnerability demonstrates the challenges inherent in modern browser security, where sophisticated memory management systems must balance performance optimization with security robustness. The flaw highlights the importance of proper memory lifecycle management in complex software systems and underscores the need for comprehensive testing of garbage collection mechanisms. Security researchers have noted that similar vulnerabilities often stem from the intricate interplay between JavaScript engines and browser rendering components, where memory management decisions in one subsystem can have cascading effects on others. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of thorough security testing in browser environments where the attack surface includes not just network protocols but also the complex interactions between various browser subsystems.