CVE-2023-4576 in Thunderbird
Summary
by MITRE • 09/11/2023
On Windows, an integer overflow could occur in `RecordedSourceSurfaceCreation` which resulted in a heap buffer overflow potentially leaking sensitive data that could have led to a sandbox escape. *This bug only affects Firefox on Windows. Other operating systems are unaffected.* This vulnerability affects Firefox < 117, Firefox ESR < 102.15, Firefox ESR < 115.2, and Thunderbird < 115.2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-4576 represents a critical integer overflow condition within Firefox's Windows implementation that could potentially lead to severe security consequences including sandbox escape and sensitive data leakage. This flaw specifically manifests in the RecordedSourceSurfaceCreation function where improper handling of integer values during memory allocation processes creates conditions ripe for heap buffer overflows. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects Firefox's rendering pipeline on Windows platforms, making it a target for sophisticated exploitation techniques that could bypass the browser's security boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and arithmetic overflow handling within the graphics rendering subsystem of Firefox. When processing certain graphic elements through the RecordedSourceSurfaceCreation function, the application fails to properly validate integer values before performing memory allocation operations. This allows malicious actors to craft specially crafted content that, when processed by Firefox, causes integer overflow conditions that subsequently result in heap buffer overflows. The CWE-190 classification applies directly to this vulnerability as it involves integer overflow conditions that can lead to buffer overflows and memory corruption issues. The flaw demonstrates a classic weakness in boundary checking and arithmetic operation validation that has been historically exploited in similar browser vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-4576 extends beyond simple memory corruption to encompass potential sandbox escape capabilities that could allow attackers to bypass Firefox's security model. When heap buffer overflows occur in graphics rendering components, they can potentially be leveraged to execute arbitrary code within the browser's process space, effectively breaking down the isolation mechanisms that protect users from malicious content. This represents a significant threat to user privacy and system security, as successful exploitation could lead to complete compromise of the affected system. The vulnerability's potential for data leakage makes it particularly dangerous in environments where sensitive information is processed through Firefox, as attackers could potentially extract confidential data from memory locations that should remain protected.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch deployment across all affected Firefox versions, including regular releases and extended support releases. Organizations should prioritize updating to Firefox 117 or later versions, Firefox ESR 102.15 or later, Firefox ESR 115.2 or later, and Thunderbird 115.2 or later to address the integer overflow conditions that enable this exploitation. Additionally, implementing network-level protections such as content security policies and sandboxing configurations can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. The ATT&CK framework's T1059.007 technique for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript" may be relevant in understanding how attackers could leverage this vulnerability through malicious web content, while T1070.004 for "Indicator Removal on Host: File Deletion" could apply to post-exploitation activities that might follow successful exploitation. Security teams should also consider implementing monitoring for unusual memory allocation patterns and heap operations that could indicate exploitation attempts.