iDEFENSE Security Advisory 08.02.04: Netscape/Mozilla SOAPParameter Constructor Integer Overflow Vulnerability

[idlabs-advisories () idefense com]

Netscape/Mozilla SOAPParameter Constructor Integer Overflow
Vulnerability
www.idefense.com/application/poi/display?id=117&type=vulnerabilities
August 2, 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.

X. LEGAL NOTICES

Copyright (c) 2004 iDEFENSE, Inc.

Permission is granted for the redistribution of this alert
electronically. It may not be edited in any way without the express
written consent of iDEFENSE. If you wish to reprint the whole or any
part of this alert in any other medium other than electronically, please
email customerservice () idefense com for permission.

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.

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