CVE-2024-0744 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE • 01/23/2024
In some circumstances, JIT compiled code could have dereferenced a wild pointer value. This could have led to an exploitable crash. This vulnerability affects Firefox < 122.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-0744 represents a critical issue within the JavaScript Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation engine of Mozilla Firefox browsers. This flaw exists in versions prior to 122 and stems from improper memory management during the JIT compilation process. The vulnerability manifests when the JIT compiler generates code that attempts to access memory locations through wild pointer values, which are uninitialized or invalid memory references that could point to arbitrary memory locations within the process address space.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under the category of memory safety issues and can be classified as a wild pointer dereference according to CWE-476. This type of vulnerability occurs when a program attempts to access memory through a pointer that has not been properly initialized or has been corrupted, leading to unpredictable behavior. In the context of web browsers, such flaws are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited by malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on victim machines. The JIT compilation process in Firefox is designed to optimize JavaScript execution by converting bytecode into native machine code, but this optimization process has become a vector for memory corruption.
When exploited, this vulnerability could lead to an exploitable crash that allows attackers to gain control over the browser process and potentially escalate privileges to the underlying operating system. The crash occurs during the execution of JIT compiled code, which means that any JavaScript code running in the browser context could potentially trigger this vulnerability. The timing and conditions under which this occurs are particularly concerning because they could be triggered through normal web browsing activities, making exploitation relatively easy and widespread. Attackers could craft malicious websites that, when visited by victims, would execute the vulnerable JIT compilation path and subsequently exploit the wild pointer dereference to execute arbitrary code.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-0744 extends beyond simple browser instability, as it represents a potential pathway for remote code execution attacks. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in the context of modern browser security models where sandboxing and memory protection mechanisms are designed to prevent such exploits. The fact that this affects the JIT compilation engine means that even legitimate JavaScript code could potentially trigger the vulnerability, though in practice attackers would need to craft specific payloads that force the JIT compiler into a state where wild pointer dereferences occur. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to code injection and privilege escalation, as it provides a mechanism for executing arbitrary code within the browser process context.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve updating to Firefox version 122 or later, which contains patches that address the wild pointer dereference issue in the JIT compilation engine. Organizations should implement immediate patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems are updated promptly. Additionally, browser hardening measures such as enabling sandboxing features, disabling unnecessary JavaScript features, and implementing content security policies can provide additional layers of protection. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual JIT compilation patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of continuous security assessments of JIT compilation engines, as these components represent high-value targets for attackers due to their ability to execute native code within trusted processes.