CVE-2012-0455 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
Mozilla Firefox before 3.6.28 and 4.x through 10.0, Firefox ESR 10.x before 10.0.3, Thunderbird before 3.1.20 and 5.0 through 10.0, Thunderbird ESR 10.x before 10.0.3, and SeaMonkey before 2.8 do not properly restrict drag-and-drop operations on javascript: URLs, which allows user-assisted remote attackers to conduct cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks via a crafted web page, related to a "DragAndDropJacking" issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/24/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2012-0455 represents a critical security flaw in Mozilla Firefox and related applications that affects versions prior to specific patch releases. This issue stems from inadequate restrictions on drag-and-drop operations involving javascript: URLs, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit cross-site scripting vulnerabilities through carefully crafted web pages. The vulnerability specifically impacts Firefox versions 3.6.28 and earlier, as well as 4.x through 10.0, Firefox ESR 10.x versions before 10.0.3, Thunderbird versions before 3.1.20 and 5.0 through 10.0, Thunderbird ESR 10.x before 10.0.3, and SeaMonkey versions before 2.8. The flaw manifests when users interact with web content that employs drag-and-drop functionality combined with javascript: URLs, allowing attackers to inject malicious code that executes within the context of the victim's browser session.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of javascript: URLs within drag-and-drop operations, which creates an attack surface where malicious web pages can manipulate user interactions to execute arbitrary javascript code. When a user drags an element containing a javascript: URL and drops it onto a target page, the browser fails to adequately validate or sanitize the URL, potentially allowing the execution of malicious scripts. This behavior directly relates to the CWE-79 weakness category, which encompasses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities that occur when applications fail to properly validate or sanitize user-provided data before incorporating it into web pages. The vulnerability's classification as a DragAndDropJacking issue indicates that it leverages the natural user interaction patterns of drag-and-drop operations to bypass security controls that would normally prevent such attacks.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to users of affected applications as it requires only user interaction with a malicious web page to execute the attack vector. Attackers can craft web pages that appear legitimate while containing hidden javascript: URLs that execute when users perform drag-and-drop operations. The impact includes potential data theft, session hijacking, and the execution of arbitrary commands on victim systems. This vulnerability operates under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007 for JavaScript execution, where attackers leverage browser-based scripting capabilities to achieve their objectives. The attack requires user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may encounter malicious content through email attachments, web browsing, or social engineering campaigns.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve updating to patched versions of the affected applications, as Mozilla released security updates addressing the specific drag-and-drop URL handling issues. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all affected systems receive updates promptly. Browser security configurations can be enhanced by disabling drag-and-drop functionality for javascript: URLs or implementing stricter content security policies that prevent execution of javascript code from untrusted sources. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of interacting with untrusted web content and the importance of keeping software updated remains crucial. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious drag-and-drop activities and javascript: URL usage patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of validating all user interactions and input handling within browser applications, particularly those involving complex user interface elements that may bypass traditional security controls.