CVE-2012-1941 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the nsHTMLReflowState::CalculateHypotheticalBox function in Mozilla Firefox 4.x through 12.0, Firefox ESR 10.x before 10.0.5, Thunderbird 5.0 through 12.0, Thunderbird ESR 10.x before 10.0.5, and SeaMonkey before 2.10 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by resizing a window displaying absolutely positioned and relatively positioned elements in nested columns.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1941 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow affecting multiple Mozilla applications including Firefox, Thunderbird, and SeaMonkey across specific version ranges. This flaw resides within the nsHTMLReflowState::CalculateHypotheticalBox function which handles the rendering calculations for HTML elements during the reflow process. The vulnerability manifests when the browser processes nested columns containing absolutely positioned and relatively positioned elements, creating a scenario where memory corruption can occur during window resizing operations. The buffer overflow occurs due to insufficient bounds checking when calculating hypothetical box dimensions for nested layout elements, allowing attackers to write beyond allocated memory boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the specific combination of CSS positioning properties and nested column structures to trigger memory corruption. When a user resizes a window containing complex nested layouts with absolute and relative positioning, the CalculateHypotheticalBox function fails to properly validate input parameters before performing memory operations. This flaw maps to CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent heap memory regions. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through web content without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it a prime candidate for drive-by download attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-1941 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities to encompass complete system compromise potential. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected browser process, potentially leading to full system compromise. The attack vector requires only a malicious webpage containing specifically crafted HTML with nested column layouts, making it highly effective for mass deployment through compromised websites or malicious advertisements. The vulnerability affects widely used applications across different platforms, amplifying its potential impact. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for phishing, as it enables attackers to establish persistent access through browser-based exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability focus on immediate patch application and browser hardening measures. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected Mozilla applications to their patched versions, particularly noting that Firefox ESR 10.0.5, Thunderbird ESR 10.0.5, and SeaMonkey 2.10 contain the necessary fixes. Browser administrators should implement additional security measures such as disabling JavaScript for untrusted sites, implementing content security policies, and using sandboxing technologies to limit potential damage. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security updates and the need for comprehensive testing of web content rendering components. Network-based mitigations include implementing web application firewalls and content filtering to block malicious HTML content that could trigger the exploit, though these measures provide only partial protection against this class of vulnerability.