CVE-2013-0775 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in the nsImageLoadingContent::OnStopContainer function in Mozilla Firefox before 19.0, Firefox ESR 17.x before 17.0.3, Thunderbird before 17.0.3, Thunderbird ESR 17.x before 17.0.3, and SeaMonkey before 2.16 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted web script.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/05/2021
The CVE-2013-0775 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw within Mozilla's browser ecosystem that affected multiple products including Firefox, Thunderbird, and SeaMonkey. This vulnerability resides in the nsImageLoadingContent::OnStopContainer function, which is responsible for handling image loading operations within the browser's rendering engine. The flaw occurs when the browser processes certain web content that triggers improper memory management during image loading sequences, creating conditions where freed memory can be accessed and manipulated by malicious actors. The vulnerability's impact extends across multiple versions of these browsers, with the issue being addressed through updates to Firefox 19.0, Firefox ESR 17.0.3, Thunderbird 17.0.3, Thunderbird ESR 17.0.3, and SeaMonkey 2.16.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the fundamental principles of memory corruption attacks where freed memory blocks are accessed after their intended use has concluded. When a web script triggers the specific code path in the OnStopContainer function, the browser's memory management system releases certain objects while simultaneously allowing execution paths that reference these freed memory locations. This creates a scenario where an attacker can craft malicious web content that, when processed by the vulnerable browser, causes the application to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the browser. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions in software applications, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited remotely through web-based attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential system compromise and data theft. Attackers can leverage this flaw to install malware, steal user credentials, or access sensitive information stored on the victim's system. The remote nature of the attack means that users need only visit a malicious website or open a specially crafted email to be vulnerable, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns and drive-by download scenarios. The vulnerability affects users across different operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux, with the attack surface expanding due to the widespread adoption of these browser products. Security researchers have documented cases where this vulnerability was actively exploited in the wild, targeting users through compromised websites and malicious email attachments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-0775 require immediate patch deployment across all affected browser versions, with system administrators prioritizing updates to the latest stable releases. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection highlights the need for comprehensive security measures including network monitoring, web filtering, and user education about suspicious website visits. Organizations should implement automated patch management systems to ensure all browser installations remain current with security updates. Additionally, browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary plugins, implementing content security policies, and using sandboxing technologies can provide additional defense layers against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software and implementing layered security approaches to protect against memory corruption vulnerabilities that can lead to full system compromise.