CVE-2021-23960 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2021-23960 impacting Mozilla products. Explore the vulnerability involving JavaScript re-declaration and how to mitigate risks.
This article provides insights into CVE-2021-23960, a vulnerability impacting Mozilla products.
Understanding CVE-2021-23960
CVE-2021-23960 involves performing garbage collection on re-declared JavaScript variables, leading to a user-after-poison and a potentially exploitable crash. The affected products include Firefox, Thunderbird, and Firefox ESR.
What is CVE-2021-23960?
The vulnerability arises when garbage collection is executed on re-declared JavaScript variables. This results in a user-after-poison scenario that can potentially lead to a crash.
The Impact of CVE-2021-23960
CVE-2021-23960 affects users of Mozilla Firefox versions prior to 85, Thunderbird versions prior to 78.7, and Firefox ESR versions prior to 78.7. Exploitation of this vulnerability could result in a crash or potential security breach.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-23960
This section delves into specific technical aspects of CVE-2021-23960.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability involves a use-after-poison issue with incorrectly redeclared JavaScript variables during garbage collection.
Affected Systems and Versions
Mozilla products such as Firefox, Thunderbird, and Firefox ESR are vulnerable to CVE-2021-23960. Specifically, Firefox versions less than 85, Thunderbird versions less than 78.7, and Firefox ESR versions less than 78.7 are affected.
Exploitation Mechanism
By exploiting this vulnerability, attackers can potentially trigger a crash or exploit the system to gain unauthorized access.
Mitigation and Prevention
In this section, we outline measures to address CVE-2021-23960.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users are advised to update affected Mozilla products to versions equal to or greater than Firefox 85, Thunderbird 78.7, and Firefox ESR 78.7.
Long-Term Security Practices
Adopting secure coding practices, staying informed about security vulnerabilities, and implementing timely updates are crucial for overall system security.
Patching and Updates
Regularly check for security updates released by Mozilla and apply patches promptly to mitigate the risk of exploitation.