CVE-2011-2987 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in Almost Native Graphics Layer Engine (ANGLE), as used in the WebGL implementation in Mozilla Firefox 4.x through 5, Thunderbird before 6, SeaMonkey 2.x before 2.3, and possibly other products might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2021
The heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in ANGLE graphics engine represents a critical security flaw that affected multiple web browsers and applications. This vulnerability resides within the Almost Native Graphics Layer Engine, which serves as a graphics abstraction layer that translates OpenGL ES commands into DirectX operations on windows platforms. The flaw specifically impacts the WebGL implementation in Mozilla Firefox versions 4.x through 5, Thunderbird versions prior to 6, and SeaMonkey 2.x versions before 2.3, making it a widespread issue across major browser ecosystems. The vulnerability stems from improper memory management during graphics command processing, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent heap memory regions.
The technical exploitation of this buffer overflow occurs when ANGLE processes graphics commands that exceed allocated buffer boundaries in heap memory. Attackers can craft malicious WebGL content that triggers memory corruption during graphics rendering operations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected application. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, which is classified as a critical weakness in memory safety. The exploitation mechanism typically involves carefully crafted graphics commands that cause the ANGLE engine to write beyond allocated memory boundaries, potentially overwriting critical data structures or function pointers that control program execution flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond individual browser compromises to potentially affect entire user environments. When successfully exploited, attackers can execute arbitrary code remotely through web pages that utilize WebGL graphics capabilities, making this a significant threat vector for phishing attacks and drive-by downloads. The vulnerability's presence in multiple products including Firefox, Thunderbird, and SeaMonkey creates a broad attack surface, as users may encounter malicious content across different applications. This cross-platform nature of the vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Windows Command Shell execution and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, as the attack chain typically involves leveraging the graphics rendering subsystem to achieve code execution.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected software versions, as the flaw represents a critical security risk that can be exploited without user interaction. System administrators should prioritize updating Firefox to version 6 or later, Thunderbird to version 6 or later, and SeaMonkey to version 2.3 or later. Additionally, implementing security measures such as address space layout randomization and data execution prevention can help reduce the effectiveness of exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing web content filtering solutions to block known malicious WebGL content and monitor for suspicious graphics-related activity in user environments. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of graphics engine security in modern web browsers, as these components often represent attack vectors that can bypass traditional security controls and directly compromise system integrity.