CVE-2014-1522 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
The mozilla::dom::OscillatorNodeEngine::ComputeCustom function in the Web Audio subsystem in Mozilla Firefox before 29.0 and SeaMonkey before 2.26 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read, memory corruption, and application crash) via crafted content.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/12/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1522 resides within the Web Audio subsystem of Mozilla Firefox and SeaMonkey browsers, specifically affecting versions prior to 29.0 and 2.26 respectively. This flaw exists in the mozilla::dom::OscillatorNodeEngine::ComputeCustom function which handles audio signal processing operations. The issue represents a critical security weakness that could be exploited by remote attackers through malicious web content, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability. The vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the audio processing engine, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate memory structures through carefully crafted audio parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves an out-of-bounds read condition that occurs when the ComputeCustom function processes custom waveform data for oscillator nodes in the Web Audio API. When malicious content submits crafted audio parameters, the function fails to properly validate input boundaries, allowing memory access beyond allocated buffer limits. This memory corruption can manifest as application crashes, memory leaks, or more severely, provide attackers with opportunities to execute arbitrary code within the browser context. The flaw specifically affects the handling of custom waveform data where the oscillator engine attempts to access memory locations that are not properly validated against the actual buffer size. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and represents a classic example of memory safety issues in audio processing components.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-1522 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass potential full system compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability through drive-by downloads, malicious websites, or compromised web applications that utilize the Web Audio API. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the Web Audio API is widely supported across modern web applications and is frequently used for interactive audio experiences. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability could allow remote code execution with the privileges of the browser process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects not just Firefox but also SeaMonkey, indicating a broader impact across Mozilla's browser ecosystem. The memory corruption nature of the flaw means that exploitation could lead to unpredictable behavior including crashes, data corruption, or even privilege escalation depending on the execution environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected browser versions, as the primary defense against exploitation. Users should update to Firefox 29.0 or later and SeaMonkey 2.26 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed through improved input validation and bounds checking. System administrators should prioritize deployment of these security updates across all affected systems, particularly in enterprise environments where browser security is critical. Network defenders should consider implementing web filtering solutions that can detect and block malicious audio content, though this represents a secondary mitigation measure. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would fall under T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and potentially T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. Organizations should also implement monitoring for unusual browser behavior or memory access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments of web applications that utilize the Web Audio API should be conducted to ensure proper parameter validation and prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in custom code implementations.