CVE-2014-1513 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
TypedArrayObject.cpp in Mozilla Firefox before 28.0, Firefox ESR 24.x before 24.4, Thunderbird before 24.4, and SeaMonkey before 2.25 does not prevent a zero-length transition during use of an ArrayBuffer object, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (heap-based out-of-bounds write or read) via a crafted web site.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1513 represents a critical heap-based memory corruption flaw affecting Mozilla Firefox and related applications. This vulnerability resides within the TypedArrayObject.cpp implementation file and specifically targets the handling of ArrayBuffer objects during JavaScript execution. The flaw occurs when the system fails to properly validate array length transitions, creating an exploitable condition where zero-length transitions can occur during normal operation. This particular vulnerability affects multiple Mozilla products including Firefox versions prior to 28.0, Firefox ESR 24.x versions prior to 24.4, Thunderbird versions prior to 24.4, and SeaMonkey versions prior to 2.25, indicating a widespread impact across the Mozilla ecosystem.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the JavaScript engine's memory management system. When an ArrayBuffer object undergoes a zero-length transition, the system fails to validate whether such a transition is safe or valid, leading to potential heap corruption. This condition creates opportunities for both arbitrary code execution and denial of service attacks through heap-based out-of-bounds write or read operations. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it allows remote attackers to craft malicious web content that can trigger the vulnerable code path, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability maps to CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript-based execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation capabilities to encompass significant security risks for end users. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, or persistent backdoor installation. The heap-based nature of the vulnerability means that attackers can manipulate memory layout to achieve their objectives, making detection and prevention particularly challenging. Organizations using affected versions of Mozilla applications face substantial risk, as the vulnerability can be exploited through standard web browsing activities without requiring any special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. The vulnerability's presence in both regular Firefox releases and Extended Support Releases demonstrates the severity of the issue and the need for immediate remediation across all affected platforms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-1513 primarily focus on immediate version upgrades to patched releases of affected Mozilla applications. Users and organizations should prioritize updating to Firefox 28.0 or later, Firefox ESR 24.4 or later, Thunderbird 24.4 or later, and SeaMonkey 2.25 or later to eliminate the risk. Additionally, implementing network-level security controls such as content filtering and web application firewalls can provide additional protection layers while waiting for full deployment of patches. Browser security configurations should be reviewed to ensure that JavaScript execution is properly restricted where possible, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify any potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining current software versions and implementing robust patch management processes to protect against known exploits in widely used applications.