CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2023-32213NVD status: Modified

Firefox: Use of Uninitialized Resource

CVE-2023-32213 is a high-severity use of uninitialized resource vulnerability in Firefox from Mozilla, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists version 113 as the first without the flaw, so updating Firefox to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.75% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 56% of scored CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Update Firefox to 113 or a later version.
  2. Update Firefox ESR to 102.11 or a later version.
  3. Update Thunderbird to 102.11 or a later version.
  4. Read the advisory on bugzilla.mozilla.org for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
  5. Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
  6. Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
MozillaFirefoxbefore 113113
MozillaFirefox ESRbefore 102.11102.11
MozillaThunderbirdbefore 102.11102.11

Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.

How the severity score breaks down

Attack vector
NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
Attack complexity
LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
Privileges required
NoneNo account or login is needed.
User interaction
RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
Scope
UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
Confidentiality
HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
Integrity
HighData or code can be modified at will.
Availability
HighThe component can be taken down completely.

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.

Official description

When reading a file, an uninitialized value could have been used as read limit. This vulnerability affects Firefox < 113, Firefox ESR < 102.11, and Thunderbird < 102.11.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Use of Uninitialized Resource

The product uses or accesses a resource that has not been initialized.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • Explicitly initialize the resource before use. If this is performed through an API function or standard procedure, follow all required steps.
  • Pay close attention to complex conditionals that affect initialization, since some branches might not perform the initialization.
  • Avoid race conditions (CWE-362) during initialization routines.

More Use of Uninitialized Resource vulnerabilities (CWE-908)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Other vulnerabilities in Firefox

All Firefox vulnerabilities

Recent Use of Uninitialized Resource vulnerabilities

Spotted an error? Tell us.