CVE-2011-0065 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in Mozilla Firefox before 3.5.19 and 3.6.x before 3.6.17, and SeaMonkey before 2.0.14, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via vectors related to OBJECT s mChannel.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0065 represents a critical use-after-free flaw affecting Mozilla Firefox versions prior to 3.5.19 and 3.6.x before 3.6.17, along with SeaMonkey versions before 2.0.14. This security defect arises from improper memory management within the browser's handling of OBJECT elements and their associated mChannel properties. The vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions where memory is accessed after it has been freed, creating opportunities for malicious code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when Firefox processes web content containing OBJECT elements that reference external resources through mChannel properties. During the normal operation of these elements, the browser allocates memory for channel objects that manage network connections and resource retrieval. However, a flaw exists in the memory deallocation process where the mChannel object reference remains accessible even after the underlying memory has been freed. This memory inconsistency allows attackers to manipulate the freed memory location through carefully crafted web content, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0065 extends beyond simple browser compromise, as it enables remote code execution attacks that can be delivered through malicious websites or web pages. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by crafting web content that triggers the specific code path involving OBJECT elements and mChannel handling, causing the browser to execute malicious code with the privileges of the victim's browser session. This capability makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or drive-by download scenarios where users are unknowingly exposed to malicious content.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as part of the broader ATT&CK framework's T1203 technique related to Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to execute code on compromised systems. The vulnerability's exploitation requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage, making it highly effective for automated attacks. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected browsers, as the vulnerability has been actively exploited in the wild. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and content filtering solutions can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. The recommended mitigation strategy includes updating to patched versions of Firefox 3.5.19 or later, Firefox 3.6.17 or later, and SeaMonkey 2.0.14 or later, while also considering browser hardening techniques and user education to reduce exposure to such attacks.