CVE-2012-1942 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
The Mozilla Updater and Windows Updater Service in Mozilla Firefox 12.0, Thunderbird 12.0, and SeaMonkey 2.9 on Windows allow local users to gain privileges by loading a DLL file in a privileged context.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/25/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1942 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw affecting Mozilla Firefox 12.0, Thunderbird 12.0, and SeaMonkey 2.9 on Windows operating systems. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of dynamic link library loading within the update mechanisms of these applications, creating a dangerous condition where malicious code can be executed with elevated privileges. The issue specifically impacts the Mozilla Updater and Windows Updater Service components that are responsible for managing software updates in these applications.
The technical flaw manifests when the update service loads DLL files without proper validation of their source or integrity. This occurs in a privileged execution context where the updater service runs with elevated permissions, typically SYSTEM level privileges on Windows systems. Attackers can exploit this by placing a malicious DLL file in a location that will be loaded by the privileged updater service, effectively bypassing normal security boundaries. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-427, which describes Uncontrolled Search Path Element, where the application's search path is not properly controlled, allowing attackers to inject malicious code. The flaw essentially creates a path traversal scenario where the legitimate update process becomes a vector for privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Once an attacker gains control through this vector, they can install malware, modify system files, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors. The attack requires local access to the system, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users might have local accounts with varying privilege levels. The vulnerability affects all Windows versions supported by these applications, creating a wide attack surface. From an adversary perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting legitimate credentials and system privileges to gain higher-level access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-1942 focus on several key approaches including immediate patching of affected applications to versions that properly validate DLL loading operations. Organizations should implement strict file permissions on update directories to prevent unauthorized DLL placement, while also monitoring for suspicious file creation patterns in system update locations. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that update services run with minimal required permissions rather than elevated privileges. Additionally, application whitelisting solutions can help prevent execution of unauthorized DLL files, and regular security audits should verify that update mechanisms properly validate file integrity and source authenticity. Network segmentation and endpoint protection solutions can also provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts.