CVE-2014-1543 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple heap-based buffer overflows in the navigator.getGamepads function in the Gamepad API in Mozilla Firefox before 30.0 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by using non-contiguous axes with a (1) physical or (2) virtual Gamepad device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1543 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow affecting the Gamepad API implementation in Mozilla Firefox versions prior to 30.0. This flaw exists within the navigator.getGamepads function which is designed to provide web applications with access to gamepad input devices through the standardized Gamepad API. The vulnerability specifically manifests when processing non-contiguous axes from either physical or virtual gamepad devices, creating a condition where memory corruption can occur during the handling of gamepad state data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through improper bounds checking within the Gamepad API implementation. When Firefox encounters a gamepad device with non-contiguous axes, the system fails to properly validate the size and structure of the axis data before copying it into allocated memory buffers. This lack of proper input validation allows attackers to craft malicious gamepad device configurations that cause the application to write beyond the boundaries of allocated heap memory. The buffer overflow can be triggered through web content that attempts to access gamepad information via the navigator.getGamepads API, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through web browsers without requiring any special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides remote attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary code on affected systems with the privileges of the Firefox process. This represents a severe privilege escalation vector that could lead to complete system compromise, especially when combined with other exploitation techniques. The vulnerability affects a core browser functionality that is widely used by web applications, making it a prime target for exploitation in drive-by download attacks or malicious websites. The heap-based nature of the overflow also makes exploitation more reliable compared to stack-based vulnerabilities, as heap corruption can often be more predictable and controllable by attackers.
This vulnerability maps to CWE-121 Heap-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a critical weakness in the Common Weakness Enumeration taxonomy, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it leverages legitimate browser APIs that are commonly used by web applications, making detection and prevention more challenging for security systems. Organizations should prioritize patching affected Firefox installations to address this vulnerability, as the exploitation can occur without any user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage. The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate upgrade to Firefox version 30.0 or later, where the buffer overflow has been corrected through proper bounds checking and memory management within the Gamepad API implementation. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing browser security policies that restrict access to potentially malicious gamepad devices and monitor for unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.