CVE-2015-7213 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the MPEG4Extractor::readMetaData function in MPEG4Extractor.cpp in libstagefright in Mozilla Firefox before 43.0 and Firefox ESR 38.x before 38.5 on 64-bit platforms allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted MP4 video file that triggers a buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/23/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2015-7213 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the multimedia processing component of Mozilla Firefox browsers. This vulnerability resides in the MPEG4Extractor::readMetaData function located in the MPEG4Extractor.cpp file within the libstagefright library. The issue specifically affects 64-bit platforms and impacts Firefox versions prior to 43.0 as well as Firefox ESR 38.x versions before 38.5. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and arithmetic handling during the parsing of MP4 video metadata, creating a condition where maliciously crafted MP4 files can trigger unexpected behavior in the application's memory management systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a remote attacker crafts a specially designed MP4 video file that contains malformed metadata structures. During the parsing process, the MPEG4Extractor function performs integer arithmetic operations that fail to properly validate the results, leading to an integer overflow condition. This overflow corrupts the application's memory layout and can result in a buffer overflow scenario where the application attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to manipulate memory addresses and potentially overwrite critical program structures or execute arbitrary code within the context of the Firefox process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems running vulnerable versions of Firefox. The attack vector requires the user to interact with a malicious MP4 file, which could be delivered through various means including email attachments, web downloads, or compromised websites. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute malicious code, escalate privileges, or establish persistent access to the affected system. The vulnerability affects not only individual users but also enterprise environments where Firefox is widely deployed, making it a significant concern for security administrators and IT professionals.
Security mitigations for CVE-2015-7213 primarily involve updating to patched versions of Firefox and Firefox ESR where the integer overflow has been addressed through proper input validation and arithmetic boundary checks. Organizations should implement immediate patch management procedures to ensure all vulnerable systems are updated promptly. Additional protective measures include implementing content filtering solutions that can detect and block suspicious MP4 files, configuring browser security policies to restrict multimedia processing capabilities, and deploying network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions, and represents a typical example of how multimedia processing components can become attack surfaces for remote code execution. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving code injection and privilege escalation through browser-based exploits, emphasizing the need for comprehensive browser hardening strategies and user education regarding safe browsing practices.