CVE-2010-1209 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in the NodeIterator implementation in Mozilla Firefox 3.5.x before 3.5.11 and 3.6.x before 3.6.7, and SeaMonkey before 2.0.6, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted NodeFilter that detaches DOM nodes, related to the NodeIterator interface and a javascript callback.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/21/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-1209 represents a critical use-after-free condition within the NodeIterator implementation of Mozilla Firefox and SeaMonkey browsers. This flaw exists in versions prior to 3.5.11 and 3.6.7 for Firefox, and before 2.0.6 for SeaMonkey, creating a significant security risk that can be exploited by remote attackers to gain arbitrary code execution capabilities. The vulnerability specifically targets the interaction between the NodeIterator interface and JavaScript callback mechanisms, where improper memory management leads to exploitable conditions.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of DOM node references within the NodeIterator implementation. When a crafted NodeFilter is processed, it can trigger the detachment of DOM nodes while simultaneously maintaining references to these freed memory locations. This use-after-free condition occurs because the NodeIterator implementation fails to properly track the lifecycle of DOM nodes that are being filtered, allowing JavaScript callbacks to access memory that has already been deallocated. The flaw manifests when the NodeIterator processes a malicious NodeFilter that detaches nodes from the document object model while maintaining references to them, creating a scenario where subsequent operations can access freed memory addresses.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, as it enables remote code execution without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. Attackers can craft specially designed web pages containing malicious NodeFilter implementations that exploit the memory management flaw to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the victim's browser session. This capability allows for complete browser compromise, potential system access, and data exfiltration. The vulnerability affects a wide range of browser versions and is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through standard web browsing activities, making it a significant threat to user security and privacy.
The vulnerability maps to CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions in software implementations. From an attack perspective, this flaw aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious JavaScript code that creates a NodeFilter object, manipulates DOM node references, and triggers the memory corruption through specific browser operations. Security researchers have noted that the vulnerability is particularly challenging to mitigate because it requires careful memory management within the browser's core rendering engine, making it difficult to patch without potentially affecting browser functionality.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate upgrade to patched versions of Firefox and SeaMonkey browsers, as well as implementing browser security configurations that limit JavaScript execution capabilities. Organizations should also consider network-level protections such as content filtering and web application firewalls to prevent access to malicious sites. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper memory management in browser implementations and demonstrates how seemingly innocuous DOM manipulation operations can create critical security risks. Regular security updates and patch management processes are essential to protect against similar vulnerabilities in browser environments, particularly given the complex interaction between JavaScript engines and DOM manipulation interfaces that can create such exploitable conditions.