Netscape/Mozilla SOAPParameter Constructor Integer Overflow Vulnerability

iDEFENSE Security Advisory 08.02.04:

*I. BACKGROUND*

SOAP is an XML-based messaging protocol which defines a set of rules for
structuring messages, and can be used for web based applications.

*II. DESCRIPTION*

Improper input validation to the SOAPParameter object constructor in
Netscape and Mozilla allows execution of arbitrary code.

The SOAPParameter object's constructor contains an integer overflow
which allows controllable heap corruption.

A web page can be constructed to leverage this into remote execution of
arbitrary code.

*III. ANALYSIS*

Successful exploitation allows the remote attacker to execute arbitrary
code in the context of the user running the browser.

*IV. DETECTION*

Netscape version 7.0 and 7.1 have been confirmed to be vulnerable.
Mozilla 1.6 is also vulnerable to this issue. It is suspected that
earlier versions of both browsers may also be vulnerable.

Netscape 7.1 is the latest version of Netscape available. Netscape have
not released any information indicating they are intending to release
future versions of the Netscape browser, and no longer have any
developers working on this project.

The latest release of the Mozilla browser, 1.7.1, is not affected by
this vulnerability. The Mozilla browser may be considered as an
alternative to Netscape.

*V. WORKAROUNDS*

Disable Javascript in the browser.

Consider upgrading to the latest version of Mozilla.

*VI. VENDOR RESPONSE*

Mozilla 1.7.1 is available for download at:

http://www.mozilla.org/products/mozilla1.x/

*VII. CVE INFORMATION*

The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) project has assigned the
name CAN-2004-0722 to this issue. This is a candidate for inclusion in
the CVE list (http://cve.mitre.org <http://cve.mitre.org/>), which
standardizes names for
security problems.

*VIII. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE*

01/17/2004    Exploit acquired by iDEFENSE
03/05/2004    Bug sent to Netscape Security Bug form at
   http://cgi.netscape.com/cgi-bin/bug-security.cgi 
03/05/2004    Bug entered into bugzilla.mozilla.org
   http://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=236618
03/05/2004     iDEFENSE clients notified
03/08/2004    Patch submitted into Mozilla source tree.
   http://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=236618#c12
07/09/2004    Patch for 1.4 branch submitted into Mozilla source tree
   http://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=236618#c22
08/02/2004    Public disclosure

*IX. CREDIT*

zen-parse (zen-parse at gmx.net) is credited with this discovery.

*X. LEGAL NOTICES*

Copyright © 2004 iDEFENSE, Inc.

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Disclaimer: The information in the advisory is believed to be accurate
at the time of publishing based on currently available information. Use
of the information constitutes acceptance for use in an AS IS condition.
There are no warranties with regard to this information. Neither the
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