CVE-2010-1199 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the XSLT node sorting implementation in Mozilla Firefox 3.5.x before 3.5.10 and 3.6.x before 3.6.4, Thunderbird before 3.0.5, and SeaMonkey before 2.0.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a large text value for a node.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1199 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the XSLT node sorting functionality of several Mozilla applications including Firefox, Thunderbird, and SeaMonkey. This vulnerability exists in versions prior to specific patch releases, with Firefox 3.5.x before 3.5.10 and 3.6.x before 3.6.4, Thunderbird before 3.0.5, and SeaMonkey before 2.0.5 being affected. The flaw stems from improper handling of large text values during XSLT node sorting operations, creating a condition where integer arithmetic can exceed maximum representable values, leading to unpredictable behavior.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the XSLT processor's handling of node sorting when text values exceed normal operational limits. When processing XSLT transformations, the application's sorting algorithm performs integer calculations to determine memory allocation and processing boundaries for node elements. The integer overflow occurs when a large text value is provided as input to a node sorting operation, causing the arithmetic operations to wrap around and produce negative or excessively large values that can be exploited to manipulate memory structures. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions, and CWE-191, which covers integer underflow scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables remote code execution through crafted XSLT documents delivered via web pages or email messages. Attackers can construct malicious XSLT content containing oversized text values that trigger the integer overflow during sorting operations, potentially allowing them to overwrite memory locations with malicious code or manipulate program execution flow. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it can be initiated through standard web browsing or email client operations without requiring any special privileges or user interaction beyond viewing the malicious content. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes exploitation of software vulnerabilities for code execution, and T1566, which covers spearphishing attacks that can deliver malicious XSLT content.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected applications to versions that contain proper integer overflow checks and bounds validation in the XSLT processing code. Organizations should implement network-based protections such as content filtering systems that can identify and block malicious XSLT content, particularly when it contains unusually large text values or complex sorting operations. Browser security configurations should be reviewed to disable XSLT processing when not required, and users should be educated about the risks of viewing untrusted web content or email attachments. Additionally, implementing sandboxing mechanisms and privilege separation can limit the potential damage if exploitation occurs, while regular security assessments should verify that XSLT processing components have been properly updated and validated against similar integer overflow conditions.