Software Engineering Institute

The crypto object and generateCRMFRequest()

The crypto object is used to provide services related to cryptography, such as handling digital certificates. The generateCRMFRequest() routine is used to generate keys for digital certificates.

The Problem

There is an unspecified vulnerability in the way the crypto object handles the generateCRMFRequest() routine. If an attacker can persuade a user to access a specially crafted web page, that attacker may be able to execute arbitrary code.

Note that JavaScript must be enabled in order for this vulnerability to exist. JavaScript is enabled by default in the Firefox and Mozilla web browsers, but not in the Mozilla's mail client or Thunderbird. Exploitation can occur by accessing a specially crafted web page with Firefox. If JavaScript is enabled within Mozilla's mail client or Thunderbird, then this issue may be exploitable by opening a specially crafted email.

A remote attacker may be able to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the compromised user.

Upgrade
Refer to Mozilla Foundation Security Advisory 2006-24 for fixed versions of Mozilla products.

Disable JavaScript

For instructions on how to disable JavaScript in Firefox, please refer to the Firefox section of the Securing Your Web Browser document.