CVE-2016-2828 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in Mozilla Firefox before 47.0 and Firefox ESR 45.x before 45.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via WebGL content that triggers texture access after destruction of the texture's recycle pool.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2828 represents a critical use-after-free flaw within Mozilla Firefox browser implementations that affected versions prior to 47.0 and Firefox ESR 45.x versions before 45.2. This security defect resides in the browser's WebGL rendering subsystem where improper memory management occurs during texture handling operations. The vulnerability manifests when WebGL content attempts to access texture resources after those resources have been destroyed and placed back into the recycle pool, creating a scenario where freed memory locations are accessed by subsequent operations. Such memory corruption conditions provide attackers with opportunities to manipulate the browser's memory state and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the compromised browser process.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions in software systems. This flaw operates through a classic memory safety issue where the WebGL implementation fails to properly track texture object lifecycles and their associated memory allocations. When a texture is destroyed and added to the recycle pool for future reuse, the system does not adequately prevent subsequent references to that texture from accessing the now-invalidated memory locations. The attack vector leverages remote WebGL content which can be delivered through malicious websites, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it requires no user interaction beyond visiting a compromised site. The exploitation process typically involves crafting specific WebGL operations that trigger the memory corruption during texture recycling, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite critical memory structures or inject malicious code into the browser's execution context.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-2828 extends beyond simple code execution as it fundamentally compromises the browser's security model and memory isolation properties. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can potentially escalate privileges, access sensitive user data, or establish persistent access to affected systems. The remote nature of the attack means that users can be compromised without any direct interaction, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise environments and users who browse the internet regularly. Organizations relying on Firefox for web browsing operations face significant risk as this flaw can be exploited through standard web content delivery without requiring any specialized tools or user actions beyond visiting malicious websites. The vulnerability also demonstrates the complexity of modern browser security where graphics rendering subsystems present unique attack surfaces that require careful memory management and lifecycle tracking.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve immediate patching of affected Firefox installations to versions 47.0 or later for regular releases and 45.2 or later for ESR versions. Browser administrators should implement comprehensive update management policies to ensure all systems receive security patches promptly. Additional protective measures include implementing content security policies that restrict WebGL usage, disabling WebGL functionality in environments where it is not required, and monitoring for suspicious web content that might exploit such vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider deploying web application firewalls and network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify and block malicious WebGL content. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security assessments of browser components and the need for robust memory safety practices in graphics rendering libraries. Security teams should also implement monitoring for exploitation attempts and maintain updated threat intelligence regarding similar vulnerabilities in other browser implementations that might present analogous attack surfaces.