CVE-2023-5175 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
During process shutdown, it was possible that an `ImageBitmap` was created that would later be used after being freed from a different codepath, leading to a potentially exploitable crash. This vulnerability affects Firefox < 118.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/02/2025
This vulnerability resides in the Firefox browser's handling of ImageBitmap objects during process shutdown scenarios, representing a classic use-after-free condition that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The flaw occurs when the browser attempts to create an ImageBitmap object while simultaneously shutting down processes, creating a race condition where memory allocated to the ImageBitmap may be freed by one code path while another code path attempts to access it. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions in software systems. The issue demonstrates a fundamental memory management problem where object lifecycle management becomes inconsistent during critical shutdown operations, creating potential attack vectors for malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves Firefox's garbage collection and resource management systems failing to properly synchronize access to ImageBitmap objects during concurrent shutdown processes. When multiple threads or code paths attempt to manipulate the same memory region, one path may free the memory while another attempts to reference it, resulting in a crash that can potentially be exploited. This scenario represents a complex interplay between browser engine architecture and memory management protocols, where the shutdown sequence does not adequately account for ongoing operations that might still reference previously allocated resources. The vulnerability specifically affects Firefox versions prior to 118, indicating that the fix likely involved implementing proper synchronization mechanisms or memory tracking during shutdown operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple browser crashes, as it creates opportunities for remote code execution attacks. Attackers could potentially craft malicious web content that triggers the specific shutdown conditions necessary to exploit this use-after-free scenario, leading to complete system compromise. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers command and scripting interpreter execution, as exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code on victim systems. The potential for exploitation increases when considering that ImageBitmap objects are commonly used in web applications for image processing and manipulation, making this attack surface accessible through typical web browsing activities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve implementing proper memory management protocols and synchronization mechanisms during browser shutdown processes. The fix implemented in Firefox 118 likely included enhanced reference counting, proper object lifecycle management, and thread synchronization to prevent concurrent access to freed memory regions. Organizations should prioritize updating to Firefox 118 or later versions to address this vulnerability, as the use-after-free condition creates a significant security risk that can be exploited remotely. Additionally, browser hardening techniques such as address space layout randomization and heap isolation can provide additional protection layers against potential exploitation attempts, though these measures are secondary to the core fix implemented in the browser engine itself.