CVE-2018-12407 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
A buffer overflow occurs when drawing and validating elements with the ANGLE graphics library, used for WebGL content, when working with the VertexBuffer11 module. This results in a potentially exploitable crash. This vulnerability affects Firefox < 64.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-12407 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the ANGLE graphics library implementation that specifically impacts Firefox browsers version 64 and earlier. This issue manifests during the processing of WebGL content through the VertexBuffer11 module, which serves as a crucial component in rendering graphics operations for web applications. The ANGLE library acts as a translation layer that converts OpenGL ES commands into DirectX commands on Windows platforms, making it a fundamental element in browser graphics processing. When Firefox processes WebGL content that triggers the VertexBuffer11 module, the buffer overflow condition occurs during element validation and rendering operations. The vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking within the graphics processing pipeline, where input data exceeding allocated buffer space causes memory corruption that can lead to arbitrary code execution. This flaw specifically affects the WebGL implementation within Firefox, which relies heavily on ANGLE for graphics acceleration on Windows systems, creating a pathway for attackers to exploit the memory corruption through carefully crafted WebGL content.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves manipulating WebGL draw calls that interact with the VertexBuffer11 module to trigger the buffer overflow condition. When the graphics library processes vertex data, the insufficient input validation allows attackers to overflow the allocated buffer space, potentially overwriting adjacent memory regions including return addresses and control data. The attack surface is particularly concerning because WebGL content can be embedded within standard web pages, making exploitation possible through malicious websites without requiring user interaction beyond visiting the compromised site. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and also relates to CWE-125, describing out-of-bounds read conditions that can occur when buffer boundaries are not properly enforced. The operational impact extends beyond simple browser crashes, as the memory corruption can be leveraged for privilege escalation and remote code execution, particularly when combined with other exploit primitives that may be present in the browser environment.
The security implications of CVE-2018-12407 align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers the use of web shell commands through browser-based attacks, and T1203, involving legitimate user execution with elevated privileges. The vulnerability affects not only individual users but also enterprise environments where Firefox browsers are deployed, creating potential for widespread compromise across organizations that rely on WebGL for web applications and visualizations. Browser-based attacks exploiting such graphics library vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can bypass traditional security controls and operate within the trusted execution environment of the web browser. The impact is amplified by the fact that WebGL is widely used in modern web applications, including gaming, data visualization, and interactive content, making the attack vector highly prevalent. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader attack chain that could lead to full system compromise, particularly when combined with other browser-based exploits that may be available in the threat landscape. The remediation approach requires immediate patching of Firefox browsers to version 64 or later, which includes fixes for the ANGLE library buffer overflow conditions. Additionally, security administrators should implement monitoring for suspicious WebGL activity and consider network-based protections that can detect and block malicious web content that attempts to exploit this vulnerability through browser-based attacks.