CVE-2012-1958 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in the nsGlobalWindow::PageHidden function in Mozilla Firefox 4.x through 13.0, Firefox ESR 10.x before 10.0.6, Thunderbird 5.0 through 13.0, Thunderbird ESR 10.x before 10.0.6, and SeaMonkey before 2.11 might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via vectors related to focused content.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2024
The CVE-2012-1958 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw within the Mozilla Firefox browser ecosystem and related applications including Thunderbird and SeaMonkey. This vulnerability exists in the nsGlobalWindow::PageHidden function, which handles page visibility states and focus management within the browser's windowing system. The flaw manifests when the browser processes focused content elements, creating a scenario where memory previously freed during normal operation can be accessed and manipulated by malicious actors. The vulnerability affects a broad range of versions including Firefox 4.x through 13.0, Firefox ESR 10.x before 10.0.6, Thunderbird 5.0 through 13.0, Thunderbird ESR 10.x before 10.0.6, and SeaMonkey before 2.11, indicating a widespread exposure across multiple Mozilla products.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which describes use-after-free conditions where memory is accessed after it has been freed, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059 for arbitrary code execution through memory corruption. The flaw occurs when the browser's page visibility handling mechanism fails to properly manage object references, allowing attackers to manipulate memory pointers that should have been invalidated. When a page becomes hidden and the browser attempts to process focus-related events, the freed memory structure can be reused by malicious code, potentially leading to controlled memory corruption. Attackers can exploit this by crafting specific web content that triggers the vulnerable code path, causing the browser to execute arbitrary instructions through the corrupted memory references.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-1958 is severe and potentially devastating for affected users, as it enables remote code execution without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. This vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including phishing campaigns, compromised websites, or malicious advertisements that trigger the specific page focus and visibility conditions. The exploitability is enhanced by the fact that the vulnerability can be triggered through normal browsing activities, making it particularly dangerous for everyday users. Security researchers have noted that successful exploitation can lead to full system compromise, allowing attackers to install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors on affected systems. The widespread availability of this vulnerability across multiple Mozilla products increases the attack surface significantly.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-1958 primarily focus on immediate patching and version updates to address the root cause. Organizations should prioritize updating to patched versions of Firefox, Thunderbird, and SeaMonkey, specifically Firefox 13.0.1, Thunderbird 13.0.1, and SeaMonkey 2.11. Additionally, implementing network-level protections such as content filtering and web application firewalls can help reduce exposure to malicious content. Browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary JavaScript features, implementing strict content security policies, and using sandboxing technologies can provide additional defense-in-depth. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual memory access patterns and potential exploitation attempts, while user education about avoiding untrusted websites remains crucial. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all affected systems.