CVE-2024-0741 in Thunderbird
Summary
by MITRE • 01/23/2024
An out of bounds write in ANGLE could have allowed an attacker to corrupt memory leading to a potentially exploitable crash. This vulnerability affects Firefox < 122, Firefox ESR < 115.7, and Thunderbird < 115.7.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-0741 represents a critical out-of-bounds write condition within the ANGLE graphics library implementation that forms part of Mozilla's browser ecosystem. This flaw exists in the manner in which memory is allocated and managed during graphics processing operations, creating potential pathways for malicious actors to manipulate memory contents through carefully crafted inputs. The ANGLE library serves as a crucial component for graphics rendering in web browsers, translating OpenGL ES commands into DirectX operations on Windows platforms, making it a prime target for exploitation due to its widespread use and privileged execution context.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the graphics processing pipeline where the application fails to validate array indices or buffer limits before writing data to memory locations. This condition allows attackers to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries, potentially overwriting adjacent memory regions that contain critical program state information, function pointers, or other sensitive data structures. The flaw manifests specifically in the handling of graphics commands and buffer management within the ANGLE implementation, which is integrated into Mozilla's Firefox browser and Thunderbird email client. According to CWE-787, this vulnerability directly maps to out-of-bounds write conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution when exploited properly.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-0741 extends beyond simple memory corruption, presenting significant risks to user systems through potential remote code execution capabilities. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application, potentially leading to full system compromise. The affected software versions include Firefox prior to version 122 and Firefox ESR prior to version 115.7, alongside Thunderbird versions before 115.7, indicating that a substantial portion of the user base remains vulnerable. Attackers could leverage this flaw through malicious web content or email attachments that trigger graphics-intensive operations, making it particularly dangerous in real-world scenarios where users browse untrusted websites or open suspicious email attachments. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as exploitation could enable attackers to establish persistent access through compromised browser processes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-0741 primarily focus on immediate software updates and patches provided by Mozilla to address the underlying memory management issues within the ANGLE graphics library. Users should prioritize upgrading to the latest stable versions of Firefox, Firefox ESR, and Thunderbird to eliminate the risk of exploitation. Additional protective measures include implementing strict content security policies, disabling unnecessary graphics features, and employing sandboxing mechanisms that limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help identify and block exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. Security monitoring should focus on unusual graphics processing activities or memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing browser hardening measures and maintaining updated threat intelligence feeds to track related exploitation activities and emerging attack patterns targeting similar graphics rendering vulnerabilities.