CVE-2023-5168 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE entry was assigned by Mozilla on September 25, 2023, and was published on September 27, 2023. The vulnerability affects Firefox, Firefox ESR, and Thunderbird products by Mozilla.

Understanding CVE-2023-5168

This CVE involves an out-of-bounds write vulnerability in the

FilterNodeD2D1

component, which could be exploited by a compromised content process. The impact includes a potentially exploitable crash in a privileged process. It specifically affects Firefox on Windows operating systems.

What is CVE-2023-5168?

The vulnerability CVE-2023-5168 involves a compromised content process providing malicious data to

FilterNodeD2D1

, leading to an out-of-bounds write and a potentially exploitable crash in a privileged process. Notably, this bug is exclusive to Firefox on Windows, with other operating systems remaining unaffected.

The Impact of CVE-2023-5168

The potential impact of this vulnerability includes the risk of a malicious actor triggering a crash in a privileged process by exploiting the out-of-bounds write vulnerability. The issue can affect the stability and security of the impacted systems and may lead to further exploitation if not addressed.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-5168

This section covers the specific technical aspects of the vulnerability, including how it can be exploited and the systems and versions affected.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability involves a compromised content process interacting with

FilterNodeD2D1

in a way that allows for an out-of-bounds write, potentially leading to a crash in a privileged process.

Affected Systems and Versions

The following products and versions are affected by CVE-2023-5168:

Firefox < 118
Firefox ESR < 115.3
Thunderbird < 115.3 It's important to note that only Firefox on Windows operating systems is impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of this vulnerability requires a compromised content process to provide malicious data to the

FilterNodeD2D1

component, triggering an out-of-bounds write leading to a potentially exploitable crash.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-5168, immediate action and long-term security practices are recommended.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update their Firefox, Firefox ESR, and Thunderbird browsers to versions that address the vulnerability. Additionally, users should exercise caution when interacting with potentially malicious content on the web to prevent exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security measures, maintaining up-to-date software, and staying informed about security advisories can help prevent and mitigate the impact of similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Mozilla has provided patches addressing CVE-2023-5168 in the following versions:

Firefox 118
Firefox ESR 115.3
Thunderbird 115.3 Users are encouraged to apply these patches promptly to secure their systems against potential exploitation of the vulnerability.