(281) 536-6950
Mozilla Firefox is prone to a remote code-execution vulnerability. Successful exploits may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the user running the affected application. Failed attempts will likely result in denial-of-service conditions. The issue affects Firefox 3.5; other versions may also be vulnerable. NOTE: Remote code execution was confirmed in Firefox 3.5 running on Microsoft Windows XP SP2.
Mozilla Firefox 3.5 'TraceMonkey' Component Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Risk
High
Date Discovered
July 13, 2009Description
Mozilla Firefox is prone to a remote code-execution vulnerability. Successful exploits may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the user running the affected application. Failed attempts will likely result in denial-of-service conditions. The issue affects Firefox 3.5; other versions may also be vulnerable. NOTE: Remote code execution was confirmed in Firefox 3.5 running on Microsoft Windows XP SP2. A crash was observed in Firefox 3.5 on Windows XP SP3. UPDATE (July 15, 2009): Remote code execution is also possible in Firefox 3.5 running on Apple Mac OS X.Technologies Affected
- Mozilla Firefox 3.5.0
- Mozilla XULRunner 1.9
- Mozilla XULRunner 1.9.1
- Mozilla XULRunner 1.9.1.1
- RedHat Fedora 11
Recommendations
Block external access at the network boundary, unless external parties require service.
If global access isn't needed, filter access to the affected computer at the network boundary. Restricting access to only trusted computers and networks might greatly reduce the likelihood of successful exploits.Run all software as a nonprivileged user with minimal access rights.
To reduce the impact of latent vulnerabilities, run all applications with the minimal amount of privileges required for functionality.Deploy network intrusion detection systems to monitor network traffic for malicious activity.
Deploy NIDS to monitor network traffic for signs of anomalous or suspicious activity. This includes but is not limited to requests that include NOP sleds and unexplained incoming and outgoing traffic. This may indicate exploit attempts or activity that results from successful exploits.Do not follow links provided by unknown or untrusted sources.
To reduce the likelihood of successful exploits, never visit sites of questionable integrity or follow links provided by unfamiliar or untrusted sources.Set web browser security to disable the execution of script code or active content.
Disabling JavaScript in the browser will prevent successful exploits but may reduce the functionality of sites that employ JavaScript.The vendor has released an advisory and fixes. Please see the references for details.
References
Credits
SBerry aka Simon Berry-ByrneCopyright (c) 2009 Symantec Corporation
Permission to redistribute this alert electronically is granted as long as it is not edited in any way unless authorized by Symantec Security Response. Reprinting the whole or part of this alert in any medium other than electronically requires permission from This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .Disclaimer
The information in the advisory is believed to be accurate at the time of publishing based on currently available information. Use of the information constitutes acceptance for use in an AS IS condition. There are no warranties with regard to this information. Neither the author nor the publisher accepts any liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage arising from use of, or reliance on, this information.Symantec, Symantec products, Symantec Security Response, and
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
are registered trademarks of Symantec Corp. and/or affiliated companies in the United States and other countries. All other registered and unregistered trademarks represented in this document are the sole property of their respective companies/owners.
