CVE-2024-9680 Mozilla Firefox: memory-safety flaw
In plain words: The program mishandles the memory it uses to keep track of data. A specially made input can scramble that memory. Usually lets an attacker crash the program or run their own code with its permissions.
Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline Nov 5, 2024
What to do
- Install Mozilla's security update for Firefox. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships.
- Let the browser auto-update and relaunch it when it asks — the fix is not active until you do.
- Keep extensions to a minimum and remove ones you do not recognise.
- Stop using Internet Explorer and any browser that no longer gets updates.
Who is affected
Could reach you. Used in ransomware, which spreads to ordinary people and small businesses.
What's at risk: A malicious or hacked website can be enough. Browser bugs are often the first step in a longer attack on the whole computer or phone.
The details
- Official name
- Mozilla Firefox Use-After-Free Vulnerability
- Product
- Mozilla Firefox
- CISA description
- Mozilla Firefox and Firefox ESR contain a use-after-free vulnerability in Animation timelines that allows for code execution in the content process.
- Type of flaw
- Memory-safety flaw (CWE-416)
- Confirmed exploited
- Oct 15, 2024 — known to be used in ransomware attacks
- US federal patch deadline
- Nov 5, 2024
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Answering about CVE-2024-9680 ·
Questions about CVE-2024-9680
Is CVE-2024-9680 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2024-9680 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Oct 15, 2024, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks, including by ransomware groups.
How do I fix CVE-2024-9680?
Install Mozilla's security update for Firefox. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships. Let the browser auto-update and relaunch it when it asks — the fix is not active until you do.
Am I affected by CVE-2024-9680?
Only if you use Mozilla Firefox. Used in ransomware, which spreads to ordinary people and small businesses.