CVE-2019-9790 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2019-9790, a use-after-free vulnerability affecting Thunderbird, Firefox ESR, and Firefox versions less than specified. Find out how to mitigate and prevent exploitation.
A use-after-free vulnerability affecting Thunderbird, Firefox ESR, and Firefox versions less than specified.
Understanding CVE-2019-9790
What is CVE-2019-9790?
A use-after-free vulnerability occurs when JavaScript retains a pointer to a DOM element that gets deleted while still in use, potentially leading to a crash.
The Impact of CVE-2019-9790
This vulnerability affects Thunderbird < 60.6, Firefox ESR < 60.6, and Firefox < 66, allowing potential exploitation.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-9790
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability arises when JavaScript holds a raw pointer to a DOM element that is removed while still in use, resulting in a crash.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Thunderbird < 60.6
- Firefox ESR < 60.6
- Firefox < 66
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited by manipulating the use-after-free condition to execute arbitrary code.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update Thunderbird, Firefox ESR, and Firefox to versions 60.6 and 66 or above.
- Disable JavaScript if not essential for browsing.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software to the latest versions.
- Implement proper security configurations and best practices.
Patching and Updates
Apply security patches provided by Mozilla to address the vulnerability.