CVE-2015-2716 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the XML parser in Mozilla Firefox before 38.0, Firefox ESR 31.x before 31.7, and Thunderbird before 31.7 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by providing a large amount of compressed XML data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2716 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the XML parser component of Mozilla Firefox and Thunderbird applications. This security defect affects multiple versions of the browser and email client, creating a significant attack surface for remote code execution. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the XML parser encounters compressed XML data that exceeds normal processing limits, allowing attackers to manipulate memory allocation and execution flow through carefully crafted inputs.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the XML parsing subsystem. When the parser processes compressed XML data, it fails to properly bounds-check the allocated memory buffers, leading to a situation where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations. This buffer overflow condition occurs during the decompression and parsing phases of XML processing, where the parser assumes a certain data size limit without proper validation of compressed content expansion. The flaw operates at the application layer and leverages the XML parser's handling of compressed data streams, making it particularly dangerous as XML is commonly used in web applications, web services, and email communications.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-2716 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise potential. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application, potentially leading to full system control. The vulnerability's remote nature means that exploitation can occur through web pages, email attachments, or any mechanism that delivers compressed XML content to the vulnerable applications. This makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may encounter malicious XML content through various attack vectors including phishing campaigns, drive-by downloads, or compromised websites. The attack requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious page or opening a compromised email, making it highly effective for automated exploitation campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-2716 focus primarily on immediate software updates and application patching. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to Firefox version 38.0, Firefox ESR 31.7, or Thunderbird version 31.7, which contain the necessary fixes to prevent the buffer overflow condition. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls to filter suspicious XML content, enabling strict content security policies, and configuring sandboxing mechanisms to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Network administrators should also consider monitoring for unusual XML data patterns and implementing intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and represents a significant concern for ATT&CK technique T1059.007, Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, as the exploitation often involves JavaScript-based web content that triggers the vulnerable XML parser. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management in security-critical applications, particularly those handling complex data formats like XML that can be compressed and expanded during processing.