Privilege Escalation Vulnerability in Firefox on macOS

CVE-2025-4082

What is CVE-2025-4082?

CVE-2025-4082 is a privilege escalation vulnerability specific to Firefox on macOS. This vulnerability arises from a modification in particular WebGL shader attributes that can lead to an out-of-bounds read. If exploited, it could enable attackers to escalate their privileges within the affected software. Firefox is a widely used web browser that provides users with secure and private internet browsing experiences. Given that this vulnerability specifically impacts Firefox versions below 138 and certain versions of Thunderbird, organizations relying on these applications, particularly on macOS systems, could face significant risks if their software remains unpatched.

Technical Details

CVE-2025-4082 involves a flaw that permits unauthorized manipulation of WebGL shader attributes. This manipulation can cause an out-of-bounds read, which means that the application may inadvertently access memory that it does not own. When combined with other vulnerabilities, this specific issue can be leveraged to escalate user privileges. The problem is confined to Firefox running on macOS and versions of Thunderbird, making it more critical for environments operating these specific applications. The affected versions include Firefox versions prior to 138 and Thunderbird versions prior to 138, along with their respective ESR (Extended Support Release) versions.

Potential Impact of CVE-2025-4082

1. Privilege Escalation: Exploiting this vulnerability could allow an attacker to gain elevated privileges, enabling them to execute commands or access sensitive data that should be restricted to higher-level users.

2. Increased Attack Surface: Since the flaw can be chained with other vulnerabilities, it opens the door for more sophisticated attacks, potentially leading to widespread exploitation of additional vulnerabilities within the system or network.

3. Risk to User Data: If attackers succeed in escalating their privileges, they may access confidential user information, leading to potential data breaches, loss of sensitive data, and compromising user privacy.

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