CVE-2024-9680: Mozilla Firefox Use-After-Free Vulnerability

CVE-2024-9680 Overview

An attacker was able to achieve code execution in the content process by exploiting a use-after-free in Animation timelines. This vulnerability affects Firefox < 131.0.2, Firefox ESR < 128.3.1, Firefox ESR < 115.16.1, Thunderbird < 131.0.1, Thunderbird < 128.3.1, and Thunderbird < 115.16.0. Reports indicate this vulnerability has been exploited in the wild.

Critical Impact
Known to be exploited with potential for code execution.

Affected Products

Mozilla Firefox
Mozilla Thunderbird
Debian Debian Linux

Discovery Timeline

Not Available - Vulnerability discovered by Not Available
Not Available - Responsible disclosure to mozilla
Not Available - CVE CVE-2024-9680 assigned
Not Available - mozilla releases security patch
2024-10-09 - CVE CVE-2024-9680 published to NVD
2025-11-04 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-9680

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability is rooted in a use-after-free condition within Animation timelines. By manipulating these objects, an attacker can achieve remote code execution.

Root Cause

Improper memory handling leading to a use-after-free scenario within Animation timelines in the codebase.

Attack Vector

This vulnerability can be exploited remotely over a network by an attacker.

javascript

// Example exploitation code (sanitized)
function triggerUseAfterFree() {
    let timeline = document.timeline;
    /* Redacted Exploit Code */
    timeline.pause(); // Trigger use-after-free vulnerability
}

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-9680

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected crashes within Mozilla applications
Logs showing unusual memory allocation
Alerts from runtime memory analysis tools

Detection Strategies

Utilize heuristic analysis to detect abnormal memory allocations and runtime crashes indicative of a use-after-free condition.

Monitoring Recommendations

Enable detailed logging for memory allocation and deallocation activities to identify anomalous patterns linked to the vulnerability.

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-9680

Immediate Actions Required

Update affected software to the latest versions provided by mozilla.
Implement runtime memory protection tools.
Monitor application logs for suspicious activities.

Patch Information

Apply the latest patches from mozilla as detailed in the Mozilla Security Advisories.

Workarounds

No known workarounds are available. Users are strongly advised to apply the updates immediately.

bash

# Configuration example
yum update firefox thunderbird