CVE-2011-3649 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
Mozilla Firefox 7.0 and Thunderbird 7.0, when the Direct2D (aka D2D) API is used on Windows in conjunction with the Azure graphics back-end, allow remote attackers to bypass the Same Origin Policy, and obtain sensitive image data from a different domain, by inserting this data into a canvas. NOTE: this issue exists because of a CVE-2011-2986 regression.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/26/2021
This vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in Mozilla Firefox version 7.0 and Thunderbird version 7.0 that specifically affects Windows systems utilizing the Direct2D graphics API alongside the Azure graphics back-end. The issue stems from a regression introduced in CVE-2011-2986, which fundamentally compromised the browser's security model by allowing unauthorized access to cross-domain resources. The vulnerability operates through a sophisticated manipulation of the canvas element where attackers can inject data from different domains into the graphics rendering pipeline, effectively bypassing the fundamental Same Origin Policy that protects web applications from unauthorized cross-domain access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the interaction between the Direct2D API and the Azure graphics back-end in Windows environments. When these components work together, they create a pathway through which malicious actors can leverage the canvas element to access image data from other domains without proper authorization. This occurs because the graphics rendering system fails to properly enforce domain isolation when processing canvas operations that involve cross-domain image data. The flaw essentially allows attackers to perform what is known as a cross-site scripting attack through graphics manipulation, where the canvas element becomes a vector for data exfiltration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables remote attackers to obtain sensitive image data from different domains, potentially compromising user privacy and data security. Attackers can exploit this weakness to access images, graphics, and potentially other sensitive visual data that should normally be restricted due to cross-domain access policies. This represents a significant bypass of web security mechanisms and could lead to the exposure of confidential information, intellectual property, or personal data contained within images loaded from different origins. The vulnerability affects not just individual users but also organizations that rely on these browsers for secure web browsing operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected software versions, as the issue was resolved through subsequent updates to Firefox and Thunderbird. Organizations should ensure that all systems running these browsers are updated to versions that contain the necessary fixes for the Direct2D and Azure graphics back-end integration. Additionally, security administrators should implement network monitoring to detect unusual canvas element usage patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses "Information Exposure," and relates to ATT&CK technique T1056.001 for "Input Injection" through graphics rendering components. System administrators should also consider implementing browser security policies that restrict canvas usage where possible, though complete prevention requires the software patches that address the underlying graphics API integration issues.