CVE-2013-0760 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the CharDistributionAnalysis::HandleOneChar function in Mozilla Firefox before 18.0, Thunderbird before 17.0.2, and SeaMonkey before 2.15 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted document.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0760 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the character distribution analysis component of Mozilla's browser and email applications. This issue resides in the CharDistributionAnalysis::HandleOneChar function which processes character sequences during document parsing operations. The flaw manifests when the application encounters specially crafted documents that trigger improper memory handling during character set analysis, creating conditions where attackers can manipulate memory layout to achieve arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability affects multiple Mozilla products including Firefox versions prior to 18.0, Thunderbird versions before 17.0.2, and SeaMonkey versions before 2.15, indicating a widespread impact across the Mozilla ecosystem.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the character distribution analysis mechanism. When processing character sequences, the HandleOneChar function fails to properly validate input lengths against allocated buffer sizes, allowing attackers to overflow memory buffers and overwrite adjacent memory locations. This type of flaw maps directly to CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking permits memory corruption. The vulnerability operates through a classic stack-based buffer overflow scenario where attacker-controlled data exceeds the allocated buffer capacity, potentially corrupting return addresses or other critical program state information. The attack vector requires remote delivery of malicious content through web pages or email attachments that trigger the vulnerable parsing logic during document rendering or processing.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-0760 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass full system compromise capabilities. Successful exploitation enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application, typically resulting in complete system control. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors within compromised systems. The remote nature of the attack means that users need not interact with malicious content directly, as the vulnerability can be triggered through automated browser rendering or email client processing. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, and T1566 for phishing campaigns, as it enables attackers to deliver malicious payloads through web-based or email-based attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-0760 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment and application updates to versions that address the underlying buffer overflow condition. Organizations should prioritize updating Firefox to version 18.0 or later, Thunderbird to 17.0.2 or later, and SeaMonkey to 2.15 or later. Additionally, implementing network-based protections through intrusion detection systems can help identify exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. Browser hardening techniques including sandboxing and memory protection mechanisms provide additional defense layers, though they cannot prevent the underlying buffer overflow condition. Security administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious content and disable unnecessary character encoding processing where possible. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems potentially running vulnerable versions of Mozilla applications, while user education regarding safe browsing practices remains essential for reducing successful exploitation rates.