CVE-2015-7179 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
The VertexBufferInterface::reserveVertexSpace function in libGLES in ANGLE, as used in Mozilla Firefox before 41.0 and Firefox ESR 38.x before 38.3 on Windows, incorrectly allocates memory for shader attribute arrays, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (buffer overflow and application crash) via crafted (1) OpenGL or (2) WebGL content.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/23/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2015-7179 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the ANGLE graphics library's vertex buffer management system, specifically affecting Mozilla Firefox versions prior to 41.0 and Firefox ESR 38.x before 38.3 on Windows platforms. This flaw exists in the VertexBufferInterface::reserveVertexSpace function which handles memory allocation for shader attribute arrays, creating a pathway for remote code execution through maliciously crafted graphics content. The vulnerability demonstrates the classic characteristics of a memory safety issue where improper bounds checking leads to unpredictable memory corruption.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the graphics processing pipeline of the ANGLE library, which serves as a translation layer between OpenGL and DirectX APIs on Windows systems. When Firefox processes OpenGL or WebGL content, the reserveVertexSpace function fails to properly validate the size parameters for shader attribute arrays, allowing attackers to specify oversized allocation requests that exceed the allocated buffer boundaries. This memory allocation flaw directly maps to CWE-129, which addresses insufficient bounds checking in input validation, and more specifically to CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of graphics rendering and memory management, where the attacker can manipulate the graphics rendering context to trigger the buffer overflow condition.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-7179 extends beyond simple denial of service to encompass full remote code execution capabilities, making it particularly dangerous for web-based attack scenarios. When exploited, the vulnerability can cause application crashes through buffer overflows, but more critically allows attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code within the Firefox process context. This represents a significant elevation in threat potential as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain control over user systems, potentially leading to data theft, system compromise, or further network infiltration. The attack vector through WebGL content specifically targets the browser's graphics processing capabilities, making it particularly effective against modern web applications that heavily utilize GPU acceleration for rendering complex visual content.
The exploitability of this vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK framework techniques, particularly those related to privilege escalation and code injection through browser-based attacks. The attack pattern follows the typical remote code execution methodology where an attacker crafts malicious graphics content that, when rendered by the vulnerable browser, triggers the memory corruption. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in graphics processing libraries and highlights how seemingly benign rendering operations can become attack surfaces when proper bounds checking is absent. Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability affects not just Firefox but any application that utilizes the ANGLE library for graphics rendering on Windows platforms, making it a widespread concern for organizations relying on graphics-intensive web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-7179 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment and application updates to versions that contain the necessary memory validation fixes. Organizations should prioritize updating Firefox to version 41.0 or later, or Firefox ESR 38.3, which contain the corrected memory allocation handling in the ANGLE library. Additionally, implementing network-based security controls such as content filtering and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection while awaiting full patch deployment. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date graphics libraries and the potential risks associated with complex graphics processing pipelines that handle untrusted input from web content. Regular security assessments of graphics rendering components and comprehensive testing of graphics-heavy web applications remain essential practices for preventing similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in production environments.