CVE-2013-1671 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
Mozilla Firefox before 21.0 does not properly implement the INPUT element, which allows remote attackers to obtain the full pathname via a crafted web site.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/11/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-1671 represents a significant information disclosure flaw in Mozilla Firefox versions prior to 21.0, specifically within the implementation of HTML INPUT elements. This weakness stems from Firefox's inadequate handling of certain INPUT element attributes and their interaction with the browser's security model, creating an avenue for malicious actors to extract sensitive filesystem path information from target systems. The flaw operates through a sophisticated manipulation of web page elements that bypasses normal security boundaries, allowing attackers to construct malicious web content that can reveal the underlying operating system's file structure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper processing of INPUT elements when they interact with JavaScript and DOM manipulation functions within the browser environment. Attackers can craft specific web pages that utilize the INPUT element in conjunction with other HTML and JavaScript components to trigger a response that inadvertently exposes the full pathname of files or directories on the victim's system. This occurs because Firefox's rendering engine fails to properly sanitize or validate the information flow when processing these particular element combinations, creating a path traversal scenario that should not be possible within a secure browser environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the exposed pathnames can provide attackers with critical system information that facilitates further exploitation attempts. The full pathname information can reveal directory structures, file locations, and potentially sensitive system configuration details that would otherwise remain hidden from remote attackers. This information can be leveraged to plan more sophisticated attacks, including file system traversal, privilege escalation, or targeted exploitation of other system components that rely on predictable file locations. The vulnerability particularly affects users who visit malicious websites or are tricked into interacting with compromised web content.
This flaw aligns with CWE-200, which covers "Information Exposure," and demonstrates how improper input handling can lead to unintended information disclosure. The vulnerability also relates to ATT&CK technique T1059, which involves the use of command and scripting interpreters, as the leaked path information could enable more targeted attacks against system components. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability represents a classic example of how seemingly minor implementation flaws in web browsers can create significant security risks, particularly when they involve the exposure of system-level information. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper input validation and the need for comprehensive security testing of browser components, especially those that handle user-supplied data and interact with system resources. Organizations should prioritize updating Firefox installations to version 21.0 or later, where this vulnerability has been addressed through improved INPUT element processing and enhanced security boundaries within the browser's rendering engine.