CVE-2012-4217 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in the nsViewManager::ProcessPendingUpdates function in Mozilla Firefox before 17.0, Thunderbird before 17.0, and SeaMonkey before 2.14 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (heap memory corruption) via unspecified vectors.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/19/2021
The CVE-2012-4217 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw in the nsViewManager::ProcessPendingUpdates function within Mozilla Firefox versions prior to 17.0, Thunderbird versions prior to 17.0, and SeaMonkey versions prior to 2.14. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-416 category, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions where memory is accessed after it has been freed, creating a dangerous scenario for memory corruption. The flaw occurs during the processing of pending view updates in the browser's rendering engine, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through normal web browsing activities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of memory management operations within the browser's view system. When the nsViewManager::ProcessPendingUpdates function executes, it processes pending view updates that occur during page rendering. If an attacker can manipulate the conditions under which these updates occur, they can cause the function to reference memory that has already been freed, leading to heap corruption. This memory corruption can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the victim user, or alternatively cause a denial of service through application crashes. The vulnerability is particularly insidious because it operates within the core rendering pipeline of the browser, making it accessible through standard web content.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-4217 extends beyond simple exploitation scenarios, as it represents a fundamental flaw in the browser's memory management system that could be leveraged for sophisticated attacks. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that, when loaded in vulnerable browsers, trigger the use-after-free condition during normal page rendering operations. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and control through web shell execution, and T1548.002 for privilege escalation through memory corruption. The exploitation potential makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios where attackers can leverage the arbitrary code execution capability to install malware, steal sensitive information, or establish persistent access to compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-4217 require immediate patching of affected software versions to address the underlying memory management flaw. Organizations should prioritize updating Firefox, Thunderbird, and SeaMonkey to versions 17.0 or later where the vulnerability has been resolved through proper memory management corrections. Additionally, implementing network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and consider deploying exploit prevention technologies that can detect and block known exploitation patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of regular security updates and proper memory management practices in preventing critical security flaws that can lead to complete system compromise.