CVE-2013-5595 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
The JavaScript engine in Mozilla Firefox before 25.0, Firefox ESR 17.x before 17.0.10 and 24.x before 24.1, Thunderbird before 24.1, Thunderbird ESR 17.x before 17.0.10, and SeaMonkey before 2.22 does not properly allocate memory for unspecified functions, which allows remote attackers to conduct buffer overflow attacks via a crafted web page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-5595 represents a critical memory allocation flaw within the JavaScript engine of multiple Mozilla applications including Firefox, Thunderbird, and SeaMonkey. This weakness exists in versions prior to the specified patches and stems from improper memory handling during function execution, creating a pathway for remote code execution through malicious web content. The flaw specifically affects the JavaScript engine's ability to manage memory allocation for unspecified functions, which creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory structures and potentially execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the inherent complexity of modern JavaScript engines and their susceptibility to memory corruption issues that can be exploited through carefully crafted web pages.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves memory allocation failures that occur when the JavaScript engine processes certain function calls or operations. Attackers can leverage this weakness by constructing malicious web pages that trigger the problematic memory allocation paths, causing buffer overflows that can be exploited to overwrite memory regions and redirect program execution. The flaw operates at the intersection of memory management and JavaScript interpretation, where insufficient bounds checking or improper allocation strategies allow attackers to manipulate heap memory structures. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-122 category of "Heap-based Buffer Overflow" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploiting memory corruption vulnerabilities to gain code execution capabilities. The attack vector requires a user to visit a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous for web-based exploitation campaigns.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-5595 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it enables full remote code execution capabilities for attackers who can successfully exploit the vulnerability. Systems running affected versions of Mozilla applications become potential entry points for malicious actors seeking to compromise user environments, as the vulnerability can be leveraged to install malware, steal sensitive information, or establish persistent access to compromised systems. The widespread adoption of Firefox and related applications means that this vulnerability could affect a large user base, making it particularly attractive to threat actors. Organizations using these applications face significant risk exposure, as the vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including phishing emails, malicious advertisements, or compromised websites that deliver the malicious JavaScript payloads.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-5595 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment and application updates to the patched versions of affected Mozilla products. System administrators should prioritize updating all installations of Firefox, Thunderbird, and SeaMonkey to versions 25.0, 17.0.10, 24.1, and 2.22 respectively, as these releases contain the necessary memory allocation fixes. Additionally, organizations should implement network-based security controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems to reduce exposure to malicious web content. Browser hardening techniques including disabling JavaScript for untrusted sites, implementing strict content security policies, and using sandboxing mechanisms can provide additional layers of protection. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious web traffic patterns and potential exploitation attempts, while incident response procedures should be updated to address potential exploitation of this vulnerability. The remediation process should also involve user education about safe browsing practices and the importance of keeping software updated to protect against known vulnerabilities.