CVE-2022-1802 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Mozilla's Firefox, Firefox ESR, Thunderbird, and Firefox for Android. This vulnerability allows an attacker to corrupt the methods of an Array object in JavaScript via prototype pollution, potentially leading to the execution of attacker-controlled JavaScript code in a privileged context. Given the potential for high-impact exploitation, it is crucial for organizations using affected products to address this vulnerability immediately.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 8.8, indicating a high level of severity. The attack vector is network-based, with low attack complexity and no privileges required for exploitation. User interaction is needed, which emphasizes the risk of exploitation in real-world scenarios. Organizations must recognize the implications of this vulnerability as it can lead to unauthorized access and control over affected systems.
Given its high severity, organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate the risk associated with CVE-2022-1802. As users may not always be aware of the risks posed by prototype pollution, robust security practices should be implemented to safeguard against potential exploitation.
The vulnerability was published on December 22, 2022, and affects versions of Firefox ESR earlier than 91.9.1, Firefox earlier than 100.0.2, Firefox for Android earlier than 100.3.0, and Thunderbird earlier than 91.9.1. As security researchers and practitioners, it is imperative to remain vigilant and ensure that all systems are updated to the latest versions to prevent potential exploitation.
Vulnerability Details
According to the official CVE description, this vulnerability affects multiple Mozilla products. The specific vulnerability allows for prototype pollution in JavaScript, which could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-1321.
The CVSS version is 3.1, with a vector string of CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, further indicating its high severity. The affected systems include Firefox, Firefox ESR, and Thunderbird, emphasizing the need for organizations using these applications to remain vigilant.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2022-1802 stems from how the JavaScript engine handles Array objects and prototype pollution. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted requests to affected systems, leading to arbitrary code execution. The attack vector is classified as network-based, which means that attackers do not need physical access to the target system to exploit this vulnerability.
The attack complexity is low, and no privileges are required for the exploitation. User interaction is essential, meaning that the user must engage with malicious content, which could be delivered through phishing or social engineering attacks. The potential impacts include high confidentiality, integrity, and availability risk due to the execution of unauthorized code.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations utilizing the affected Mozilla products should take this vulnerability seriously, as it presents a significant risk. The potential for unauthorized execution of JavaScript code in a privileged context could allow attackers to manipulate data, access sensitive information, or disrupt services. The blast radius could encompass all users of the affected products, making it critical for organizations to implement swift remediation measures.
Given the CVSS score of 8.8, organizations should assess this vulnerability with high urgency and prioritize it in their patch management cycle. Regular updates and security awareness training can help reduce the risk associated with such vulnerabilities, enabling organizations to maintain a robust security posture.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of Mozilla products are: Firefox ESR < 91.9.1, Firefox < 100.0.2, Firefox for Android < 100.3.0, and Thunderbird < 91.9.1. Organizations should ensure that their systems are updated accordingly.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should review their version of Mozilla products and apply the latest patches to mitigate this vulnerability. Upgrading to the latest versions, namely Firefox 100.0.2, Firefox for Android 100.3.0, and Thunderbird 91.9.1, is essential. If a patch is not available, organizations can implement workarounds such as disabling JavaScript or employing strict content security policies.
In addition, configuration hardening, network controls, and monitoring for abnormal behaviors can help defend against potential exploitation of this vulnerability. It is crucial for organizations to regularly review their security posture and conduct security assessments to identify and rectify vulnerabilities.
For further information on security assessments, consider utilizing our application security assessment services to ensure your applications are secure against such vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of CVE-2022-1802, organizations should monitor logs for unusual JavaScript execution patterns and examine user activity for signs of malicious interactions. Network signatures indicating unauthorized access attempts and behavioral anomalies may also serve as indicators of exploitation.
Regular system audits and security monitoring can aid in identifying any attempts to exploit this vulnerability and allow for timely incident response.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2022-1802 highlights the ongoing challenges associated with prototype pollution vulnerabilities in JavaScript applications. Organizations must remain vigilant about the security of their applications, especially those relying on complex JavaScript structures. The high EPS score of 0.68 indicates a significant risk of exploitation, reinforcing the need for robust security measures.
Security teams should consider adopting a proactive approach to security, including regular penetration testing and application assessments. For more insights, our penetration testing methodology can help identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Additionally, organizations can benefit from understanding the trends in vulnerability exposure and implementing lessons learned from past incidents. Our insights on vulnerability exposure severity trends can provide valuable context for future risk management strategies.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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