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CVE-2017-5460: A use-after-free vulnerability in frame selection triggered by a combination of malicious script content an...

A use-after-free vulnerability in frame selection triggered by a combination of malicious script content and key presses by a user. This results in a potentially exploitable crash. This vulnerability affects Thunderbird < 52.1, Firefox ESR < 45.9, Firefox ESR < 52.1, and Firefox < 53.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysismoderate

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

CVE-2017-5460 is a Mozilla browser and email-client memory safety flaw. A malicious page or script, combined with user key presses, could trigger a potentially exploitable crash. It affects older Firefox, Firefox ESR, and Thunderbird releases, so current business risk depends mainly on whether legacy Mozilla software remains in use.

Executive priority

Treat as a legacy software hygiene issue unless affected Mozilla versions are still present. Prioritize remediation for shared workstations, kiosks, VDI, or internet-browsing systems because browser memory flaws can carry higher impact when reachable by users.

Technical view

The issue is described as a use-after-free in frame selection, triggered by malicious script content plus user key presses. Affected versions are Thunderbird before 52.1, Firefox ESR before 45.9 and 52.1, and Firefox before 53. Sources do not provide CVSS, CWE, confirmed exploitation, or detailed exploitability conditions.

Likely exposure

Exposure is most likely on unmanaged endpoints, legacy Linux distributions, kiosk systems, or long-lived VDI images still running affected Mozilla versions. Modern supported Firefox and Thunderbird deployments should not be exposed if vendor updates were applied.

Exploitation context

The bundle does not show KEV listing or active exploitation evidence. Exploitation requires user interaction with malicious script content and key presses, and the public description only states a potentially exploitable crash, not confirmed code execution.

Researcher notes

The source bundle lacks CVSS, CWE, and detailed patch notes. The key technical signal is a frame-selection use-after-free with user interaction. Validation should focus on version and package state, not reproducing the crash.

Mitigation direction

  • Upgrade Firefox to 53 or later, or a supported current release.
  • Upgrade Firefox ESR to 45.9, 52.1, or later supported ESR releases.
  • Upgrade Thunderbird to 52.1 or later, preferably a supported current release.
  • Apply relevant Red Hat or Debian security updates where packages are distro-managed.
  • Check Mozilla and OS vendor advisories for environment-specific guidance.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory Firefox, Firefox ESR, and Thunderbird versions across endpoints and servers.
  • Flag any versions below Firefox 53, ESR 45.9/52.1, or Thunderbird 52.1.
  • Confirm Linux package versions include the referenced vendor security updates.
  • Review endpoint telemetry for unusual Mozilla crashes, without treating crashes as proof of exploitation.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
10

Public sources used

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

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CVE-2017-5460 mapping review

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Unknown
CVSS
Not scored
Known Exploited
No
Published
Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

0CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
10Source links

CVSS and timeline data

No CVSS vectors or timeline events were available in the normalized CVE source material.

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
MozillaThunderbirdunspecifiedListed
MozillaFirefox ESRunspecified, unspecifiedListed
MozillaFirefoxunspecifiedListed
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.