CVE-2015-2736 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
The nsZipArchive::BuildFileList function in Mozilla Firefox before 39.0, Firefox ESR 31.x before 31.8 and 38.x before 38.1, and Thunderbird before 38.1 accesses unintended memory locations, which allows remote attackers to have an unspecified impact via a crafted ZIP archive.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2736 represents a critical memory safety issue within Mozilla Firefox and Thunderbird applications that affects versions prior to the specified patches. This flaw exists within the nsZipArchive::BuildFileList function, which is responsible for processing and parsing zip archive files. The vulnerability stems from improper memory management during the extraction and listing of files contained within compressed archives, creating a potential avenue for exploitation that could result in arbitrary code execution or system compromise.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under memory corruption issues that are commonly categorized as buffer over-read or out-of-bounds memory access flaws. When processing malformed or crafted zip archives, the BuildFileList function fails to properly validate input data, leading to unintended memory location access. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely through web-based attacks, where attackers craft malicious zip files that, when processed by the vulnerable software, trigger the memory access violation. The unspecified impact mentioned in the description suggests that this vulnerability could potentially lead to various security consequences including denial of service, information disclosure, or remote code execution depending on the specific conditions and system configuration.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations that rely on Firefox or Thunderbird for email and web browsing activities. Attackers could leverage this flaw by embedding malicious zip files in phishing emails or hosting them on compromised websites that users might visit. The remote exploitation capability means that users do not need physical access to systems to exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where email systems and web browsers are extensively used. The vulnerability affects not only regular Firefox users but also organizations using Firefox ESR (Extended Support Release) versions, which are typically deployed in enterprise settings where stability and security are paramount.
The impact of this vulnerability aligns with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under techniques related to privilege escalation and execution through malicious file attachments. Organizations should consider this vulnerability in their broader security posture assessment, particularly when evaluating their email security measures and browser hardening practices. The vulnerability also relates to CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities, both of which are common in memory management flaws. Security teams should prioritize patching affected systems immediately and implement additional email filtering measures to prevent delivery of potentially malicious zip files.
Organizations should implement comprehensive mitigation strategies that include immediate deployment of security patches for all affected versions, enhanced email security controls, and network-based filtering of suspicious zip file attachments. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust security monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments should include verification of patch compliance for browser applications, as this vulnerability could be exploited in targeted attacks against specific organizations or industries. Additionally, user education regarding suspicious email attachments and website navigation practices remains essential in reducing the risk of successful exploitation attempts.