CVE-2014-8640 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
The mozilla::dom::AudioParamTimeline::AudioNodeInputValue function in the Web Audio API implementation in Mozilla Firefox before 35.0 and SeaMonkey before 2.32 does not properly restrict timeline operations, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (uninitialized-memory read and application crash) via crafted API calls.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/02/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-8640 resides within the Web Audio API implementation of Mozilla Firefox and SeaMonkey browsers, specifically affecting versions prior to 35.0 and 2.32 respectively. This flaw manifests in the mozilla::dom::AudioParamTimeline::AudioNodeInputValue function which handles timeline operations for audio parameters within the browser's web audio processing system. The issue represents a critical security weakness that could be exploited by remote attackers to disrupt normal browser operations through carefully crafted API calls that manipulate audio parameter timelines.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate input validation and boundary checking within the audio timeline processing mechanism. When the AudioNodeInputValue function processes timeline operations, it fails to properly validate the parameters passed to it, allowing malicious actors to submit malformed or out-of-bounds timeline data. This improper restriction of timeline operations creates a scenario where the application reads from uninitialized memory regions, leading to unpredictable behavior and ultimately causing the browser application to crash. The vulnerability specifically targets the Web Audio API's handling of audio parameter timelines, which are essential components for dynamic audio processing in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code or cause complete browser instability. Remote attackers can craft malicious web pages that, when loaded in vulnerable browsers, trigger the uninitialized memory read conditions and subsequent crashes. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in phishing attacks or malicious website scenarios where users might be tricked into visiting compromised sites. The vulnerability affects not just individual user sessions but represents a systemic risk to browser security, as the Web Audio API is widely used for audio processing in modern web applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected browser versions to the secure releases that contain the necessary code modifications. Organizations should implement browser update policies that ensure all users have the latest security patches installed. Additionally, network administrators can deploy web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to block access to known malicious domains that might exploit this vulnerability. From a defensive perspective, implementing proper input validation and memory management practices in web audio implementations aligns with security best practices and helps prevent similar issues in the future. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of thorough testing of audio processing APIs and proper boundary checking in multimedia web technologies, as outlined in common weakness enumeration cwe-129 and attack technique t1059 related to command and scripting interpreters.
The exploitation of this vulnerability highlights the broader security implications of multimedia APIs in web browsers, where audio processing functions can become attack vectors for more sophisticated threats. Security researchers have noted that similar issues in audio processing components often stem from inadequate memory management and insufficient parameter validation, making this vulnerability a prime example of how seemingly benign functionality can become a security risk when not properly secured. Organizations should consider implementing additional monitoring and alerting mechanisms to detect unusual audio API usage patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process involves not just updating browser versions but also reviewing and strengthening the overall security posture of web applications that rely on audio processing capabilities.