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Full vulnerability report · 2021
CVE-2021-23981High confidence

Mozilla Firefox ESR — Out-of-bounds Write

Mozilla · Firefox ESR

8.1HighCVSS 3.1
Recommended action
Within 7 days

High technical severity; prioritise exposed affected systems while verifying vendor guidance.

Patch available
R
Operational reassessment

Published severity in operational context

Open reassessment dashboard →
Published severityHighOperational priority:High, unchanged from published severity.unchanged

Evidence used

  • No CISA KEV confirmation is currently recorded.
  • EPSS is 1.15% for the current model date.

Compensating controls

  • Validate the affected product branch and deploy the verified fixed release.
  • Restrict the affected network interface to trusted sources where business-safe.
  • Monitor vendor guidance and exploitation sources for a material change.

Verification

  1. Confirm that the asset runs Mozilla Firefox ESR and falls inside the recorded affected range.
  2. Verify the installed build against the product-specific fixed version after deployment.
  3. Validate exposure, authentication requirements and compensating controls in the actual environment.
  4. Reopen this reassessment when CVSS, KEV, EPSS, exploit evidence or remediation changes.
Mitigation target: Within 30 daysRemediation target: Within 180 days

This automated reassessment organises public evidence. It does not know asset exposure, business impact or control effectiveness and does not replace CVSS or a human risk decision.

Distribution package intelligence

Release-specific package status

Alpine, Debian findings are scoped to the named distribution, release and source package. An absent finding does not mean a package is unaffected.

21 package states
Repository candidate not checked

A published vendor fix does not prove that a matching update is enabled and installable on a particular asset. Confirm the local package candidate before scheduling remediation.

Distribution releaseSource packageVendor stateFixed versionEvidence
Alpine v3.23v3.23 · communityfirefoxVendor fix publishedAlpine records a security fix at this version. An absent entry does not mean the package is unaffected.87.0-r0Alpine Security Database ↗Source updated 11 Sep 2026
Alpine v3.23v3.23 · communityfirefox-esrVendor fix publishedAlpine records a security fix at this version. An absent entry does not mean the package is unaffected.78.9.0-r0Alpine Security Database ↗Source updated 11 Sep 2026
Alpine v3.23v3.23 · communitylibrewolfVendor fix publishedAlpine records a security fix at this version. An absent entry does not mean the package is unaffected.87.0-r0Alpine Security Database ↗Source updated 11 Sep 2026
Alpine v3.23v3.23 · communitythunderbirdVendor fix publishedAlpine records a security fix at this version. An absent entry does not mean the package is unaffected.78.9.0-r0Alpine Security Database ↗Source updated 11 Sep 2026
Alpine v3.22v3.22 · communityfirefoxVendor fix publishedAlpine records a security fix at this version. An absent entry does not mean the package is unaffected.87.0-r0Alpine Security Database ↗Source updated 11 Sep 2026
Alpine v3.22v3.22 · communityfirefox-esrVendor fix publishedAlpine records a security fix at this version. An absent entry does not mean the package is unaffected.78.9.0-r0Alpine Security Database ↗Source updated 11 Sep 2026
Alpine v3.22v3.22 · communitylibrewolfVendor fix publishedAlpine records a security fix at this version. An absent entry does not mean the package is unaffected.87.0-r0Alpine Security Database ↗Source updated 11 Sep 2026
Alpine v3.22v3.22 · communitythunderbirdVendor fix publishedAlpine records a security fix at this version. An absent entry does not mean the package is unaffected.78.9.0-r0Alpine Security Database ↗Source updated 11 Sep 2026
Alpine v3.21v3.21 · communityfirefoxVendor fix publishedAlpine records a security fix at this version. An absent entry does not mean the package is unaffected.87.0-r0Alpine Security Database ↗Source updated 19 Aug 2026
Alpine v3.21v3.21 · communityfirefox-esrVendor fix publishedAlpine records a security fix at this version. An absent entry does not mean the package is unaffected.78.9.0-r0Alpine Security Database ↗Source updated 19 Aug 2026
Alpine v3.21v3.21 · communitylibrewolfVendor fix publishedAlpine records a security fix at this version. An absent entry does not mean the package is unaffected.87.0-r0Alpine Security Database ↗Source updated 19 Aug 2026
Alpine v3.21v3.21 · communitythunderbirdVendor fix publishedAlpine records a security fix at this version. An absent entry does not mean the package is unaffected.78.9.0-r0Alpine Security Database ↗Source updated 19 Aug 2026
Debian trixietrixie · sourcefirefox-esrVendor fix publishedDebian records a fixed source-package version for this release.78.9.0esr-1Debian Security Tracker ↗Source updated 6 Oct 2026
Debian trixietrixie · sourcethunderbirdVendor fix publishedDebian records a fixed source-package version for this release.1:78.9.0-1Debian Security Tracker ↗Source updated 6 Oct 2026
Debian bookwormbookworm · sourcefirefox-esrVendor fix publishedDebian records a fixed source-package version for this release.78.9.0esr-1Debian Security Tracker ↗Source updated 6 Oct 2026
Debian bookwormbookworm · sourcethunderbirdVendor fix publishedDebian records a fixed source-package version for this release.1:78.9.0-1Debian Security Tracker ↗Source updated 6 Oct 2026
Debian forkyforky · sourcefirefox-esrVendor fix publishedDebian records a fixed source-package version for this release.78.9.0esr-1Debian Security Tracker ↗Source updated 6 Oct 2026
Debian forkyforky · sourcethunderbirdVendor fix publishedDebian records a fixed source-package version for this release.1:78.9.0-1Debian Security Tracker ↗Source updated 6 Oct 2026
Debian sidsid · sourcefirefoxVendor fix publishedDebian records a fixed source-package version for this release.87.0-1Debian Security Tracker ↗Source updated 6 Oct 2026
Debian sidsid · sourcefirefox-esrVendor fix publishedDebian records a fixed source-package version for this release.78.9.0esr-1Debian Security Tracker ↗Source updated 6 Oct 2026
Debian sidsid · sourcethunderbirdVendor fix publishedDebian records a fixed source-package version for this release.1:78.9.0-1Debian Security Tracker ↗Source updated 6 Oct 2026
Direct vendor intelligence

Authoritative vendor CSAF and VEX advisories

Structured product status and remediation from the issuing vendor. Product-state explanations are always visible; large lists can be searched or downloaded.

1 current
CVE-2021-23981 · CSAF 2.0 · revision 30 · interimSUSE Product Security TeamCVE-2021-23981
629 recommended

The vendor recommends these product versions as the target state.

  • MozillaFirefox-78.9.0-112.54.1 as component of HPE Helion OpenStack 8
  • MozillaFirefox-devel-78.9.0-112.54.1 as component of HPE Helion OpenStack 8
  • MozillaFirefox-translations-common-78.9.0-112.54.1 as component of HPE Helion OpenStack 8
  • MozillaFirefox-78.9.0-3.136.1 as component of SUSE CaaS Platform 4.0
  • MozillaFirefox-branding-SLE-78-4.16.1 as component of SUSE CaaS Platform 4.0
  • MozillaFirefox-devel-78.9.0-3.136.1 as component of SUSE CaaS Platform 4.0
  • MozillaFirefox-translations-common-78.9.0-3.136.1 as component of SUSE CaaS Platform 4.0
  • MozillaFirefox-translations-other-78.9.0-3.136.1 as component of SUSE CaaS Platform 4.0
  • mozilla-nspr-32bit-4.25.1-3.17.1 as component of SUSE CaaS Platform 4.0
  • mozilla-nspr-4.25.1-3.17.1 as component of SUSE CaaS Platform 4.0
  • mozilla-nspr-devel-4.25.1-3.17.1 as component of SUSE CaaS Platform 4.0
  • MozillaFirefox-78.9.0-3.136.1 as component of SUSE Enterprise Storage 6
Summary
A texture upload of a Pixel Buffer Object could have confused the WebGL code to skip binding the buffer used to unpack it, resulting in memory corruption and a potentially exploitable information leak or crash. This vulnerability affects Firefox ESR < 78.9, Firefox < 87, and Thunderbird < 78.9.
Remediation
To install this SUSE Security Update use the SUSE recommended installation methods like YaST online_update or "zypper patch".
Optional official sources

National CERT insights
?CERT means Computer Emergency Response Team; CSIRT is the closely related term Computer Security Incident Response Team.

Choose official national sources for this report. Each advisory shows its original language. Your selection is remembered on this device and included in shared links.

Official European source

ENISA European Vulnerability Database

Official EUVD identifiers, advisory evidence and known-exploited context. Missing fields are not treated as evidence of low risk.

1 current
ENISA EUVD identifier

EUVD-2021-10901

No EUVD known-exploited evidence

ENISA has published the identifier mapping but no EUVD description has been stored yet.

EUVD state
Present in the current official mapping
Known exploitation
Not present in the current ENISA EUVD known-exploited dataset. This is not proof of no exploitation.
ENISA score
Not supplied in the stored EUVD record
Advisory evidence
No linked advisory details stored yet
Recommended actionWithin 7 days

High technical severity; prioritise exposed affected systems while verifying vendor guidance.

Patch available
01

What, why and how

A texture upload of a Pixel Buffer Object could have confused the WebGL code to skip binding the buffer used to unpack it, resulting in memory corruption and a potentially exploitable information leak or crash. This vulnerability affects Firefox ESR < 78.9, Firefox < 87, and Thunderbird < 78.9.

What

A texture upload of a Pixel Buffer Object could have confused the WebGL code to skip binding the buffer used to unpack it, resulting in memory corruption and a potentially exploitable information leak or crash. This vulnerability affects Firefox ESR < 78.9, Firefox < 87, and Thunderbird < 78.9.

Why

A bounds error lets data be written beyond the intended memory region, potentially corrupting control data.

How

An attacker operating through a network path may attempt exploitation without authentication after a user interaction. If successful, the issue may disrupt the affected service.

What

A texture upload of a Pixel Buffer Object could have confused the WebGL code to skip binding the buffer used to unpack it, resulting in memory corruption and a potentially exploitable information leak or crash. This vulnerability affects Firefox ESR < 78.9, Firefox < 87, and Thunderbird < 78.9.

Why

A bounds error lets data be written beyond the intended memory region, potentially corrupting control data.

How

An attacker operating through a network path may attempt exploitation without authentication after a user interaction. If successful, the issue may disrupt the affected service.

02

Exploit reality and attack path

CVSS severity, EPSS forecast probability, public exploit material and CISA-confirmed exploitation are separate signals.

Observed exploitation
?Confirmed exploitation and public exploit material are separate signals. Attacks can occur without public proof-of-concept or exploit code.
No confirmed evidence

No CISA KEV match was present at the last successful refresh. This means no confirmation from that source, not proof of no exploitation.

Public PoC / exploit material
?Confirmed exploitation and public exploit material are separate signals. Attacks can occur without public proof-of-concept or exploit code.
None recorded

No exploit-tagged reference or CISA SSVC proof-of-concept state is currently recorded. Research may still exist outside the structured feeds.

Likely attack path
a network path → Out-of-bounds Write → disrupt the affected service
Attack surface
Network
Privileges required
None: unauthenticated exploitation is possible
User interaction
Required interaction required
Attack complexity
Low: no specialised conditions are recorded
Security boundary
Unchanged: impact remains within the vulnerable component's security authority
Weakness
?CWE means Common Weakness Enumeration: a standard category for the underlying weakness.
CWE-787 ↗

CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write. The product writes data past the end, or before the beginning, of the intended buffer.

CVSS vector
?CVSS means Common Vulnerability Scoring System. The vector records the metric values used to calculate technical severity.
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:H

Common Vulnerability Scoring System 3.1: the compact vector below is decoded into plain language.

AVNetworkAttack vector: The vulnerable component can be reached over a network.ACLowAttack complexity: No specialised conditions are required beyond attacker-controlled input.PRNonePrivileges required: The attacker does not need an account or existing privileges.UIRequiredUser interaction: Another user must perform an action for exploitation to succeed.SUnchangedScope: The security impact remains within the vulnerable component's authority.CHighConfidentiality impact: A successful attack can cause a major loss.INoneIntegrity impact: No direct loss is represented by this metric.AHighAvailability impact: A successful attack can cause a major loss.
Post-exploitation / living off the land
No specific living-off-the-land technique is confirmed in the structured sources. Monitor normal administration tools for activity inconsistent with the affected service's baseline.
NetworkUnauthenticatedDenial of serviceCWE-787
A

Official authority intelligence

Only matched European and national findings are included. Language selectors and unavailable sources are omitted.

Cyber Security Agency of Singapore · English · CSA-SB-20210407Security Bulletin 07 Apr 2021

The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore included this CVE in its official Security Bulletin 07 Apr 2021, published on 7 April 2021. Open the linked bulletin for the product, severity and reference information published in that issue.

Official advisory ↗
CERT-FR · French · CERTFR-2021-AVI-216Multiples vulnérabilités dans Mozilla Thunderbird

De multiples vulnérabilités ont été découvertes dans Mozilla Thunderbird. Certaines d'entre elles permettent à un attaquant de provoquer un problème de sécurité non spécifié par l'éditeur, une exécution de code arbitraire et un contournement de la politique de sécurité.

Official advisory ↗
CERT-FR · French · CERTFR-2021-AVI-215Multiples vulnérabilités dans Mozilla Firefox et Firefox ESR

De multiples vulnérabilités ont été découvertes dans Mozilla Firefox et Firefox ESR. Certaines d'entre elles permettent à un attaquant de provoquer un problème de sécurité non spécifié par l'éditeur, une exécution de code arbitraire et un déni de service.

Official advisory ↗
JVN iPedia · Japanese · JVNDB-2021-005010Firefox および Thunderbird におけるバッファエラーの脆弱性

Firefox および Thunderbird には、バッファエラーの脆弱性が存在します。

Official advisory ↗
KISA KrCERT/CC · Korean · KNVD-5287Mozilla 제품 보안 업데이트 권고

Firefox, Firefox ESR, Thunderbird에서 메모리 충돌로 인해 발생하는 정보노출 취약점(CVE-2021-23981) 등 8개 [1][2][3]

Official advisory ↗
03

Patch and workaround

Operational remediation based on structured source evidence.

Status
?Patch availability is based on structured fixed-version fields and authoritative update references. If no fix is verified, check the vendor advisory before making a change.
Patch available
Affected
Fixed
No fixed version is explicitly recorded in the structured CVE data.
Action
To install this SUSE Security Update use the SUSE recommended installation methods like YaST online_update or "zypper patch".
Workaround
No verified workaround is recorded. If business-safe, reduce exposure to the affected interface and allow only trusted sources until authoritative guidance is available.
04

Evidence and provenance

Published 31 Mar 2021 · Last source change 3 Aug 2024, 19:14 UTC · CWE-787 · Out-of-bounds Write

CVE recordCVE.org · 5.1
CVSS sourceNIST NVD
EPSS source
?The date BlackTree first stored a score for this CVE from the daily FIRST EPSS feed.
FIRST · tracked since 2026-08-14
European sourceENISA EUVD · EUVD-2021-10901
Product sourceCNA
Remediation sourceVendor CSAF · SUSE Product Security Team
CWE sourceNIST NVD
NVD statusNVD modified after enrichment

Core structured fields are present and their contributing authorities are shown above.

Material change intelligence

What changed after publication

View recent updates ↗
  1. Remediation statusRemediation status changed from Awaiting fix to Mitigation available.
    Before
    Awaiting fix
    After
    Mitigation available
    KISA KrCERT/CC ↗
Material fields only · duplicate refreshes suppressed · history retained for the configured operational retention period
CVE published
Remediation guidance recorded
ENISA EUVD · EUVD-2021-10901↗Vendor CSAF · SUSE Product Security Team↗KISA KrCERT/CC remediation guidance↗CVE authority or vendor reference↗Vendor advisory↗Vendor advisory↗Official CVE record (CNA and ADP data)↗NVD record↗
Technical terms and abbreviations used in this report
CVE
Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures: the public identifier for one disclosed vulnerability.
CVSS
Common Vulnerability Scoring System: a technical severity framework; it is not patching priority by itself.
EPSS
Exploit Prediction Scoring System: FIRST's estimate of the probability that exploitation activity will be observed in the next 30 days; it is a forecast, not confirmation.
CWE
Common Weakness Enumeration: the standard category describing the underlying software or hardware weakness.
CNA
CVE Numbering Authority: an organisation authorised to assign and publish CVE records.
CISA ADP
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Authorized Data Publisher: structured enrichment added to a CVE record.
NVD
National Vulnerability Database: NIST's enrichment service for CVE records.
CERT / CSIRT
A computer security incident response team that publishes warnings or coordinates incident response.
PoC
Proof of concept: public material that demonstrates or helps reproduce exploitation.
CSAF
Common Security Advisory Framework: a machine-readable format for security advisories.
LoTL
Living off the land: abuse of legitimate tools or system functions during an attack.
Free version - for non-commercial use only.CVE-2021-23981 · cve.blacktree.nl