CVE-2014-1536 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
The PropertyProvider::FindJustificationRange function in Mozilla Firefox before 30.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read) via unspecified vectors.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1536 resides within the PropertyProvider::FindJustificationRange function of Mozilla Firefox versions prior to 30.0, representing a critical security flaw that exposes the browser to remote code execution and denial of service attacks. This issue stems from improper bounds checking within the function's implementation, creating a scenario where malicious actors can manipulate input data to trigger out-of-bounds memory reads. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of memory safety and web browser security, where the absence of adequate input validation allows attackers to craft specific payloads that exploit the function's handling of property justification ranges. The flaw manifests when the browser processes certain web content that triggers the vulnerable code path, potentially enabling attackers to read memory locations beyond the intended boundaries of the function's data structures.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of length of input buffers, and CWE-125, which addresses out-of-bounds read conditions. The flaw operates under the principle that the PropertyProvider::FindJustificationRange function fails to properly validate array indices or buffer boundaries when processing justification range data, allowing attackers to provide crafted input that causes the function to access memory locations outside its allocated bounds. This condition creates a potential exploitation vector where an attacker could either extract sensitive information from memory through the out-of-bounds read or manipulate memory contents to achieve arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with the attack pattern described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, where attackers leverage browser vulnerabilities to execute malicious code in the context of the victim's browser session.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass full remote code execution capabilities, making it particularly dangerous in the context of modern web browsing environments. When exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems with the privileges of the Firefox process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The out-of-bounds read condition can be leveraged to disclose memory contents that may include sensitive data such as cryptographic keys, session tokens, or other confidential information. Additionally, the vulnerability's potential for causing denial of service means that attackers can disrupt legitimate browser functionality and user experience. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it can be triggered through standard web browsing activities, requiring no special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-1536 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment and browser updates, as the most effective solution involves upgrading to Firefox version 30.0 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper bounds checking implementation. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive updates promptly, particularly given the remote execution capabilities of the vulnerability. Additional defensive measures include implementing content security policies, deploying web application firewalls, and utilizing sandboxing techniques to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Network-level protections such as intrusion detection systems can help identify exploitation attempts by monitoring for patterns associated with the vulnerable function's behavior. Security teams should also consider implementing browser hardening configurations that restrict access to potentially dangerous APIs and functions. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of memory safety in browser implementations and the necessity of thorough code review processes that identify potential buffer overflow and out-of-bounds access conditions. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other browser components and ensure comprehensive protection against similar classes of vulnerabilities.