CVE-2012-0464 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in the browser engine in 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 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via vectors involving an empty argument to the array.join function in conjunction with the triggering of garbage collection.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2024
The CVE-2012-0464 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Mozilla's browser engine that affected multiple products including Firefox, Thunderbird, and SeaMonkey across several version ranges. This vulnerability stems from improper memory management during the execution of JavaScript code, specifically when handling array operations and garbage collection processes. The flaw allows remote attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code on affected systems by leveraging a combination of an empty argument to the array.join function and subsequent garbage collection triggering mechanisms. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited through web-based attacks without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a specific sequence where JavaScript code calls the array.join function with an empty argument, which then creates a scenario where freed memory locations are accessed after garbage collection has occurred. This use-after-free condition occurs within the browser engine's JavaScript engine implementation, specifically in how it handles memory allocation and deallocation for array objects. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-416 as a Use After Free condition, which represents a common and dangerous class of memory safety issues where program code continues to reference memory after it has been freed by the system. The flaw demonstrates a classic memory corruption vulnerability that can lead to complete system compromise when exploited successfully.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-0464 extends beyond simple code execution to potentially enable full system compromise across affected browsers and email clients. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to bypass security restrictions, escalate privileges, and gain unauthorized access to user systems. The vulnerability affects not only desktop browsers but also email clients that utilize the same underlying browser engine, expanding the potential attack surface significantly. This cross-product impact is particularly concerning as it demonstrates how a single memory corruption flaw can affect multiple applications built on the same engine architecture. The vulnerability's exploitation requires a sophisticated attack vector that combines specific JavaScript code execution with memory management manipulation, making it a targeted threat that could be used in advanced persistent threat campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-0464 primarily focus on immediate patching and system updates, as the vulnerability was addressed through official security releases from Mozilla. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected versions of Firefox, Thunderbird, and SeaMonkey to their patched releases, with particular attention to Firefox ESR 10.0.3, Thunderbird 3.1.20, 5.0 through 10.0, and SeaMonkey 2.8. Additionally, implementing network-based security controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can provide additional layers of protection. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing robust memory safety practices in browser engine implementations. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual JavaScript execution patterns and memory access behaviors that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability also reinforces the need for regular security assessments and the implementation of secure coding practices that prevent memory corruption flaws in complex software systems. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for JavaScript execution and T1068 for local privilege escalation, emphasizing its multi-stage exploitation potential and the need for comprehensive defensive measures across network and endpoint security controls.