CVE-2010-3167 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
The nsTreeContentView 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 node removal in XUL trees, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via vectors involving access to deleted memory, related to a "dangling pointer vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3167 represents a critical memory safety issue affecting multiple Mozilla-based applications including Firefox, Thunderbird, and SeaMonkey. This flaw resides in the nsTreeContentView function which manages the display and interaction with XUL tree elements in the browser's user interface. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes node removal operations within XUL trees, creating conditions where memory previously allocated to tree nodes is not properly invalidated or cleared from memory. This creates a scenario where attackers can manipulate the application into accessing memory locations that have been freed but not properly dereferenced, leading to what is known as a dangling pointer vulnerability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the XUL tree rendering system. When a node is removed from a XUL tree structure, the application should immediately invalidate any references to that node and ensure the memory is properly deallocated. However, the flaw allows for situations where references to deleted nodes persist in memory, creating opportunities for attackers to craft malicious content that triggers the application to access this freed memory. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-416, which specifically addresses Use After Free conditions, and represents a classic example of memory corruption that can be exploited to achieve arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through web content, making it a remote code execution vulnerability that affects users who visit malicious websites or receive compromised emails.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation as it affects a wide range of Mozilla-based applications that utilize XUL tree components for various user interface elements. The affected versions include Firefox 3.5.x before 3.5.12 and 3.6.x before 3.6.9, Thunderbird 3.0.x before 3.0.7 and 3.1.x before 3.1.3, and SeaMonkey 2.0.7 and earlier. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through various attack vectors including web pages containing malicious XUL tree structures, phishing emails with compromised attachments, or any content that triggers the rendering of XUL trees in the affected applications. The remote code execution capability means that successful exploitation could allow attackers to install malware, steal user data, or take complete control of the affected system. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as the initial compromise through remote code execution often leads to further exploitation attempts.
The remediation for this vulnerability requires immediate application of security patches released by Mozilla to address the memory management issues in the nsTreeContentView function. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected applications to their patched versions, which typically include proper memory deallocation procedures and validation checks for XUL tree node operations. Security teams should also implement network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering to prevent access to known malicious domains that might exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, user education regarding safe browsing practices and email hygiene remains crucial as attackers often rely on social engineering to deliver malicious content that triggers this vulnerability. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management in complex applications and highlights how seemingly minor issues in user interface rendering can create significant security risks that affect millions of users across multiple platforms and applications.