CVE-2020-12423 : Security Advisory and Response

A vulnerability in Mozilla Firefox could allow arbitrary code execution on Windows systems.

Understanding CVE-2020-12423

This CVE describes a DLL hijacking vulnerability in Firefox that could lead to arbitrary code execution on Windows systems.

What is CVE-2020-12423?

When a malicious Windows DLL is placed in a user's %PATH% folder, Firefox may load it, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code.

The Impact of CVE-2020-12423

This vulnerability affects Firefox versions below 78 on Windows OS, potentially allowing attackers to compromise the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-12423

This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises when a malicious webauthn.dll is placed in the user's %PATH%, leading Firefox to load it and execute arbitrary code.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Firefox
Vendor: Mozilla
Versions Affected: <78

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit the vulnerability by placing a malicious DLL in the user's %PATH% directory, tricking Firefox into loading it.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protect your system from CVE-2020-12423 with the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Firefox to a version above 78 to mitigate the vulnerability.
Regularly monitor and clean the %PATH% environment variable to prevent DLL hijacking.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strict DLL loading policies to prevent unauthorized DLLs from being loaded.
Educate users on safe browsing practices to reduce the risk of downloading malicious files.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Mozilla and promptly apply patches to secure your system.