CVE-2017-5442 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A use-after-free vulnerability during changes in style when manipulating DOM elements. This results in a potentially exploitable crash affecting Thunderbird, Firefox ESR, and Firefox.

Understanding CVE-2017-5442

A vulnerability that allows manipulation of DOM elements during style changes, leading to a use-after-free issue and potential exploitable crashes.

What is CVE-2017-5442?

The vulnerability arises from manipulating DOM elements during style changes, resulting in a use-after-free vulnerability that can lead to exploitable crashes.

The Impact of CVE-2017-5442

The vulnerability affects Thunderbird versions earlier than 52.1, Firefox ESR versions earlier than 45.9 and 52.1, and Firefox versions earlier than 53.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-5442

A vulnerability that allows for the manipulation of DOM elements during style changes, leading to a use-after-free issue and potential exploitable crashes.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate DOM elements during style changes, leading to a use-after-free vulnerability.

Affected Systems and Versions

Thunderbird versions earlier than 52.1
Firefox ESR versions earlier than 45.9 and 52.1
Firefox versions earlier than 53

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating DOM elements during style changes, causing a use-after-free issue.

Mitigation and Prevention

Steps to address and prevent the CVE-2017-5442 vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Thunderbird to version 52.1 or later.
Update Firefox ESR to version 45.9 or 52.1.
Update Firefox to version 53 or later.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software to the latest versions.
Implement secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches provided by Mozilla to address the vulnerability.