CVE-2015-7210 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in Mozilla Firefox before 43.0 and Firefox ESR 38.x before 38.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by triggering attempted use of a data channel that has been closed by a WebRTC function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/23/2024
The CVE-2015-7210 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Mozilla Firefox versions prior to 43.0 and Firefox ESR 38.x versions prior to 38.5. This vulnerability specifically targets the WebRTC implementation within the browser, creating a dangerous condition where memory that has been freed is still being accessed by the application. The flaw occurs when a data channel within the WebRTC framework is closed by a WebRTC function, but subsequent operations attempt to reference this already freed memory location. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-416 category, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables remote attackers to exploit the flaw through web-based attacks without requiring any local privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves triggering a sequence where a WebRTC data channel undergoes closure through legitimate WebRTC functions, but the application continues to reference this closed channel in subsequent operations. When the memory associated with the closed channel is freed, the application attempts to access this memory location again, leading to a use-after-free condition. This condition can be leveraged by attackers to overwrite memory contents, potentially redirecting execution flow to malicious code injected into the freed memory space. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it operates entirely within the browser environment, utilizing standard web technologies to achieve code execution. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic memory safety issue where proper memory management and reference tracking are inadequate, allowing for the exploitation of freed memory regions. This flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers the execution of malicious code through browser-based attacks, and specifically represents a code injection vulnerability that can be exploited through web content.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-7210 is severe and far-reaching, as it allows remote code execution capabilities that can compromise entire user systems. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access to compromised systems. The vulnerability affects not just individual users but also organizations that rely on Firefox as their primary browser, as the attack can be delivered through standard web browsing activities without any user interaction beyond visiting a malicious site. The WebRTC functionality is commonly used in modern web applications for real-time communication, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through legitimate web applications that utilize WebRTC. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it does not require any special privileges or user interaction, making it an attractive target for automated attacks. Organizations using affected versions of Firefox are at significant risk, as this vulnerability can be exploited in the wild without detection, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromises, and other security incidents.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-7210 primarily focus on immediate patching and updating of affected Firefox installations to versions 43.0 or later for regular releases, and 38.5 or later for ESR releases. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all affected browsers are updated promptly across enterprise environments. Additional protective measures include implementing web content filtering solutions that can block known malicious domains and monitoring network traffic for suspicious activity related to WebRTC connections. Organizations should also consider implementing browser hardening techniques such as disabling unnecessary WebRTC functionality when not required, and using security extensions that can provide additional layers of protection against such vulnerabilities. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping browser software up to date and maintaining robust security practices. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of affected software. Network-based intrusion detection systems can be configured to detect patterns associated with exploitation attempts of use-after-free vulnerabilities, providing early warning capabilities for potential attacks targeting this specific flaw.