08/03/2004
iDEFENSE Security Advisory 08.02.04:
I. BACKGROUND
SOAP is an XML-based messaging protocol which defines a set of rules for structuring messages, and can be used for web based applications.
II. DESCRIPTION
Improper input validation to the SOAPParameter object constructor in
Netscape and Mozilla allows execution of arbitrary code.
The SOAPParameter object's constructor contains an integer overflow
which allows controllable heap corruption.
A web page can be constructed to leverage this into remote execution of
arbitrary code.
III. ANALYSIS
Successful exploitation allows the remote attacker to execute arbitrary
code in the context of the user running the browser.
IV. DETECTION
Netscape version 7.0 and 7.1 have been confirmed to be vulnerable.
Mozilla 1.6 is also vulnerable to this issue. It is suspected that earlier versions of both browsers may also be vulnerable.
Netscape 7.1 is the latest version of Netscape available. Netscape have
not released any information indicating they are intending to release
future versions of the Netscape browser, and no longer have any
developers working on this project.
The latest release of the Mozilla browser, 1.7.1, is not affected by
this vulnerability. The Mozilla browser may be considered as an
alternative to Netscape.
V. WORKAROUNDS
Disable Javascript in the browser.
Consider upgrading to the latest version of Mozilla.
VI. VENDOR RESPONSE
Mozilla 1.7.1 is available for download at:
http://www.mozilla.org/products/mozilla1.x/
VII. CVE INFORMATION
The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) project has assigned the name CAN-2004-0722 to this issue. This is a candidate for inclusion in the CVE list (
http://cve.mitre.org), which standardizes names for
security problems.
VIII. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE
01/17/2004 Exploit acquired by iDEFENSE
03/05/2004 Bug sent to Netscape Security Bug form at
http://cgi.netscape.com/cgi-bin/bug-security.cgi
03/05/2004 Bug entered into bugzilla.mozilla.org
http://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=236618
03/05/2004 iDEFENSE clients notified
07/09/2004 Patch submitted into Mozilla source tree.
http://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=236618#c22
08/02/2004 Public disclosure
IX. CREDIT
zen-parse (zen-parse at gmx.net) is credited with this discovery.
