CVE-2015-0804 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
The HTMLSourceElement::BindToTree function in Mozilla Firefox before 37.0 does not properly constrain a data type after omitting namespace validation during certain tree-binding operations, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (use-after-free) via a crafted HTML document containing a SOURCE element.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/02/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0804 resides within the HTMLSourceElement::BindToTree function of Mozilla Firefox versions prior to 37.0, representing a critical security flaw that exploits improper data type handling during HTML document processing. This issue specifically manifests when the browser omits namespace validation during tree-binding operations, creating a condition where maliciously crafted HTML documents can manipulate the browser's internal data structures. The flaw falls under the category of improper input validation and type constraint violations, which are commonly classified under CWE-122 and CWE-125 in the Common Weakness Enumeration system, indicating weaknesses in memory handling and buffer overflow conditions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the browser's handling of HTML SOURCE elements within multimedia contexts, particularly when these elements are processed during document tree construction. When Firefox encounters a SOURCE element in a malformed HTML document, the BindToTree function fails to properly validate or constrain data types that are subsequently used in memory operations. This omission creates a scenario where attacker-controlled data can influence memory layout and object references, leading to a use-after-free condition. The use-after-free vulnerability occurs when the browser attempts to access memory that has already been freed, allowing attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code by manipulating the freed memory space or by causing the browser to crash through controlled memory corruption.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-0804 extends beyond simple denial of service to encompass full remote code execution capabilities, making it a severe threat to user security. Attackers can craft HTML documents containing specially constructed SOURCE elements that, when loaded in vulnerable Firefox versions, trigger the flawed memory handling behavior. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be delivered through web pages, email attachments, or any medium that allows HTML content execution, without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. The exploit leverage aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves gaining access to system resources through memory corruption attacks, and represents a classic example of how browser-based vulnerabilities can be weaponized for remote compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-0804 primarily focus on immediate browser updates to versions 37.0 or later where the vulnerability has been patched. Mozilla addressed this issue through enhanced namespace validation and stricter data type constraints within the BindToTree function, ensuring that memory operations properly validate input before processing. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management protocols to ensure all Firefox installations are updated promptly, as the vulnerability affects all versions prior to 37.0. Additionally, security measures such as content filtering, sandboxing, and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection while patches are being deployed. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input sanitization and memory management practices in browser engine development, aligning with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-160 and ISO/IEC 27001 frameworks for secure software development lifecycle implementations.