CVE-2010-2760 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in the nsTreeSelection function in Mozilla Firefox before 3.5.12 and 3.6.x before 3.6.9, Thunderbird before 3.0.7 and 3.1.x before 3.1.3, and SeaMonkey before 2.0.7 might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via vectors involving a XUL tree selection, related to a "dangling pointer vulnerability." NOTE: this issue exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2010-2753.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/18/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2760 represents a critical use-after-free condition affecting Mozilla Firefox, Thunderbird, and SeaMonkey products across multiple versions. This flaw manifests within the nsTreeSelection function, which handles XUL tree selection operations in the browser's user interface. The vulnerability constitutes a dangling pointer issue that arises from improper memory management during the handling of tree selection events, creating opportunities for remote code execution through maliciously crafted web content. The problem emerged as an incomplete remediation for CVE-2010-2753, indicating that previous fixes failed to address all potential attack vectors within the same code module.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves memory corruption that occurs when the application attempts to access memory locations that have already been freed during normal operation. When a XUL tree selection event triggers the nsTreeSelection function, the improper handling of reference counting and memory deallocation creates a scenario where freed memory can be reallocated and subsequently accessed by malicious code. This use-after-free condition falls under CWE-416, which specifically addresses the use of freed memory, and represents a classic memory safety vulnerability that has been extensively documented in cybersecurity literature. The vulnerability's exploitation requires an attacker to construct specific XUL tree selection scenarios that trigger the problematic code path, typically through crafted web pages or email content that manipulates tree selection behavior.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to users of affected software versions as it enables remote code execution without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website or opening a compromised email message. The attack surface is particularly broad given that XUL tree selection functionality is commonly used throughout the browser's interface and web applications, making it difficult for users to avoid potentially malicious content. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Mozilla products including Firefox, Thunderbird, and SeaMonkey creates widespread exposure across different user bases, with the affected versions representing significant portions of the installed user base at the time of discovery. The incomplete fix for CVE-2010-2753 demonstrates the complexity of memory safety issues and the challenges in developing comprehensive patches for complex software systems.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2010-2760 requires immediate application of vendor security patches and updates to affected software versions. Users should upgrade to Firefox 3.5.12, 3.6.9, Thunderbird 3.0.7, 3.1.3, and SeaMonkey 2.0.7 or later versions where the vulnerability has been properly addressed. Organizations should implement security policies that enforce automatic updates and maintain inventory tracking of affected software installations. System administrators should monitor for exploitation attempts through network intrusion detection systems and web proxy logs, as the vulnerability may be exploited through cross-site scripting or other web-based attack vectors. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 for command and script injection, as the successful exploitation would likely involve executing malicious code through the compromised application. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to prevent access to known malicious domains that may attempt to exploit this vulnerability, while maintaining awareness of the broader attack patterns associated with use-after-free vulnerabilities in browser environments.