CVE-2010-2763 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
The XPCSafeJSObjectWrapper class in the SafeJSObjectWrapper (aka SJOW) implementation in Mozilla Firefox before 3.5.12, Thunderbird before 3.0.7, and SeaMonkey before 2.0.7 does not properly restrict scripted functions, which allows remote attackers to bypass the Same Origin Policy and conduct cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks via a crafted function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2763 represents a critical security flaw in the SafeJSObjectWrapper implementation within Mozilla Firefox and related products. This issue resides in the XPCSafeJSObjectWrapper class which is designed to provide security boundaries between privileged and unprivileged JavaScript code. The flaw manifests when the SJOW implementation fails to properly restrict scripted functions, creating a pathway for malicious actors to circumvent fundamental web security mechanisms. The vulnerability affects versions prior to Firefox 3.5.12, Thunderbird 3.0.7, and SeaMonkey 2.0.7, indicating this was a widespread issue across Mozilla's browser ecosystem. The core problem lies in how the security wrapper handles function objects, specifically allowing unauthorized access to privileged operations through crafted JavaScript code that exploits the incomplete function restriction mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of JavaScript function objects within the security wrapper context. When a malicious script attempts to access or manipulate functions that should be restricted by the Same Origin Policy, the flawed implementation allows these operations to proceed without proper validation. This creates a scenario where remote attackers can execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, effectively bypassing the security model that separates web content from browser internals. The flaw essentially allows attackers to construct malicious functions that can access restricted properties and methods, undermining the fundamental isolation that security wrappers are designed to provide. This issue directly relates to CWE-284 which addresses improper access control in software implementations, specifically focusing on inadequate restrictions on object access and function manipulation.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-2763 extends far beyond simple cross-site scripting capabilities, as it fundamentally compromises the security architecture of affected browsers. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform actions such as reading sensitive data from other domains, executing malicious code with system-level privileges, and potentially gaining full control over user sessions. The Same Origin Policy bypass enables attackers to access resources that should be restricted to the originating domain, creating opportunities for data theft, session hijacking, and privilege escalation attacks. This vulnerability particularly affects web applications that rely on browser security boundaries for protection, as it allows attackers to break out of sandboxed environments and access privileged functionality. The attack vector typically involves crafting malicious JavaScript that exploits the function restriction bypass to access restricted browser APIs.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve updating to patched versions of affected software products, as this represents a well-known issue that was addressed through security updates. Organizations should implement immediate patch management procedures to ensure all affected browsers are updated to versions containing the necessary security fixes. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls and content security policies as additional defensive measures. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper security wrapper implementation and the need for comprehensive testing of privileged code access controls. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual JavaScript behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around function manipulation and cross-domain access attempts. This vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of maintaining up-to-date security software and the potential consequences of failing to apply security patches in a timely manner.
The exploitation techniques for this vulnerability align with several ATT&CK tactics including privilege escalation and defense evasion. The ability to bypass Same Origin Policy represents a significant escalation in attacker capabilities, moving from simple XSS to full browser compromise. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability enables techniques such as credential access through session manipulation and initial access through malicious web content delivery. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in implementing security boundaries, as the flaw exists in the fundamental design of the security wrapper implementation. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability when conducting risk assessments for web browser security and when evaluating the effectiveness of existing security controls. The incident underscores the need for continuous security testing and the implementation of robust security architectures that can withstand sophisticated attack techniques.