CVE-2010-2766 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
The normalizeDocument 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 does not properly handle the removal of DOM nodes during normalization, which might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via vectors involving access to a deleted object.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2766 represents a critical memory safety issue affecting multiple Mozilla applications including Firefox, Thunderbird, and SeaMonkey. This flaw resides in the normalizeDocument function which is responsible for processing and normalizing document structures within the browser engine. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of DOM node removal operations during document normalization processes, creating a scenario where deleted objects may remain accessible to malicious code. According to CWE-476, this constitutes a NULL pointer dereference vulnerability that can be exploited through improper memory management practices. The issue manifests when the application attempts to access objects that have already been freed from memory, creating a potential code execution vector for remote attackers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the browser's document object model processing where the normalizeDocument function fails to properly track and invalidate references to DOM nodes that are being removed from the document structure. During the normalization process, when nodes are deleted, the system should immediately invalidate all references to those nodes to prevent subsequent access attempts. However, in affected versions, these references persist in memory, allowing attackers to manipulate the application's memory state. The flaw specifically impacts the garbage collection and memory management mechanisms within the browser's JavaScript engine, creating a condition where freed memory can be accessed and potentially exploited. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Windows Scripting Host and similar execution methods that leverage memory corruption to achieve arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems with the privileges of the browser application. Attackers can craft malicious web pages or email content that triggers the problematic code path during document processing, leading to potential system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through web browsing activities, making it accessible to a broad range of users without requiring special privileges or complex attack scenarios. Successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, data theft, or installation of additional malware. The attack surface is extensive given that the vulnerability affects multiple Mozilla products and their various versions, making it a significant concern for enterprise security teams and individual users alike.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2766 primarily involve immediate application updates to the patched versions of affected Mozilla products. Organizations should prioritize patch deployment across all systems running vulnerable versions of Firefox, Thunderbird, or SeaMonkey. Additionally, implementing network-level security controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can provide additional protection layers. Browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary JavaScript features, implementing strict content security policies, and using sandboxing technologies can reduce the attack surface. Security teams should also monitor for exploitation attempts through network traffic analysis and implement intrusion detection systems that can identify malicious content patterns associated with this vulnerability. Regular vulnerability assessments and security audits should be conducted to ensure all systems remain protected against similar memory safety issues. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper memory management and the need for thorough testing of document processing functions in web browsers.