CVE-2014-8641 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in the WebRTC implementation in Mozilla Firefox before 35.0, Firefox ESR 31.x before 31.4, and SeaMonkey before 2.32 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted track data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/02/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-8641 represents a critical use-after-free flaw within the WebRTC implementation of Mozilla Firefox and SeaMonkey browsers. This security weakness exists in versions prior to Firefox 35.0 and Firefox ESR 31.x version 31.4, as well as SeaMonkey versions before 2.32, making it a widespread issue affecting multiple browser implementations. The flaw specifically manifests in the handling of crafted track data within the WebRTC framework, which is a standardized protocol for real-time communication between web browsers. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-416 category of use-after-free conditions, where memory that has been freed is subsequently accessed, creating potential exploitation opportunities for malicious actors.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a remote attacker crafts malicious track data that, when processed by the vulnerable WebRTC implementation, triggers a use-after-free condition in memory management. When the browser processes this malformed data, it attempts to access memory that has already been deallocated, potentially leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution. The WebRTC implementation in these affected browsers fails to properly validate or sanitize track data inputs, allowing attackers to manipulate the memory state of the application. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through web pages without requiring user interaction, making it a prime target for drive-by download attacks and cross-site scripting campaigns.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-8641 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to the underlying system. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious websites, email attachments, or compromised web services that deliver crafted WebRTC track data. Given the widespread adoption of Firefox and SeaMonkey browsers, this vulnerability could affect millions of users globally, particularly in enterprise environments where these browsers are commonly deployed. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that WebRTC is increasingly integrated into web applications for video conferencing, real-time collaboration, and streaming services, making the exploitation potential more significant. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the compromised system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-8641 primarily focus on immediate browser updates and patches provided by Mozilla. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to Firefox 35.0 or later versions, Firefox ESR 31.4 or later, and SeaMonkey 2.32 or later to eliminate the vulnerability. Additionally, network administrators can implement web filtering solutions that block access to known malicious domains or content that might contain crafted WebRTC track data. Browser hardening measures including disabling WebRTC functionality when not required, implementing strict content security policies, and deploying sandboxing technologies can provide additional defense layers. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices in real-time communication frameworks, emphasizing the need for proper memory management and input validation in WebRTC implementations. Organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments targeting WebRTC-enabled applications and implement monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of keeping browser implementations up to date and the necessity of robust memory safety practices in complex web technologies that handle real-time data streams.