CVE-2017-5459 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
A buffer overflow in WebGL triggerable by web content, resulting in a potentially exploitable crash. This vulnerability affects Thunderbird < 52.1, Firefox ESR < 45.9, Firefox ESR < 52.1, and Firefox < 53.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5459 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the WebGL implementation of several major web browsers including Thunderbird and various Firefox versions. This vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and memory management within the WebGL graphics rendering subsystem, creating an exploitable condition that can be triggered through malicious web content. The flaw specifically manifests when processing certain WebGL commands or data structures, leading to memory corruption that may result in arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability affects a broad range of affected software versions including Thunderbird versions prior to 52.1, Firefox ESR versions before 45.9 and 52.1, and standard Firefox versions before 53, indicating a widespread impact across multiple browser implementations and security product ecosystems. The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient space is allocated for data storage, and specifically relates to CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations that can occur when buffer boundaries are not properly enforced.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple crash conditions, as the buffer overflow can potentially be leveraged by remote attackers to execute malicious code within the context of the affected browser process. When exploited, this vulnerability enables attackers to gain control over the affected system through the browser's graphics rendering pipeline, creating a significant security risk for users who browse untrusted websites. The exploitation requires the victim to visit a malicious webpage that contains specially crafted WebGL content, making this a typical web-based attack vector that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation for execution through web-based attacks. The vulnerability's trigger mechanism through WebGL content means that attackers can craft malicious websites that exploit this flaw without requiring user interaction beyond normal browsing, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns and drive-by download scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-5459 primarily focus on immediate software updates and patches provided by vendors, as well as implementing additional security controls to limit exposure. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected browser installations to the latest patched versions, with particular attention to the Firefox ESR releases and Thunderbird versions mentioned in the vulnerability description. Network-level protections can include implementing web content filtering solutions that block suspicious WebGL content and monitoring for anomalous browser behavior that may indicate exploitation attempts. Browser hardening techniques such as disabling WebGL functionality where possible, implementing sandboxing controls, and using security extensions like NoScript or similar content blockers can provide additional layers of protection. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution threat necessitates comprehensive monitoring of network traffic for potential exploitation attempts and implementation of intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious WebGL-related patterns. Security teams should also consider implementing user education programs to raise awareness about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping browser software up to date with security patches, as this vulnerability can be exploited through social engineering attacks that leverage user trust in familiar websites.