CVE-2026-24869 is a use-after-free vulnerability identified in the Layout: Scrolling and Overflow component of Mozilla Firefox, affecting all versions prior to 147.0.2. Use-after-free bugs occur when a program continues to use memory after it has been freed, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause memory corruption. This specific vulnerability can be triggered remotely by an attacker who entices a user to visit a specially crafted malicious web page, exploiting the flaw in the rendering engine responsible for scrolling and overflow behavior. The CVSS v3.1 score of 8.1 reflects a high-severity issue, with an attack vector that is network-based (AV:N), requiring no privileges (PR:N), but requiring user interaction (UI:R). The scope is unchanged (S:U), and the impact is high on confidentiality and integrity (C:H/I:H), but no impact on availability (A:N). While no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the nature of the vulnerability and its presence in a widely used browser make it a significant risk. The vulnerability could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of the browser, potentially leading to data theft, session hijacking, or further system compromise. The lack of a patch link in the provided data suggests that users should verify and apply the official Firefox update 147.0.2 or later as soon as possible. This vulnerability highlights the importance of timely browser updates and cautious web browsing behavior.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk due to the widespread use of Firefox across government, financial, and private sectors. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information, compromise of user credentials, and potential lateral movement within corporate networks if browsers are used as a vector. The high confidentiality and integrity impact could undermine trust in digital services and disrupt secure communications. Although availability is not affected, the potential for remote code execution elevates the threat level. Organizations with remote or hybrid workforces relying on Firefox browsers are particularly vulnerable, as attackers can exploit this flaw without needing direct network access or elevated privileges. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the risk of future exploitation remains high. Additionally, compliance with GDPR and other data protection regulations could be jeopardized if breaches occur due to this vulnerability.

1. Immediately update all Firefox installations to version 147.0.2 or later, ensuring all endpoints are patched promptly. 2. Implement browser security policies that restrict or monitor the execution of untrusted web content, such as enabling strict content security policies (CSP) and disabling unnecessary browser extensions that may increase attack surface. 3. Employ network-level protections like web filtering and intrusion prevention systems (IPS) to block access to known malicious sites and suspicious payloads. 4. Educate users about the risks of interacting with unknown or suspicious links, emphasizing cautious browsing behavior. 5. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for anomalous browser behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 6. Regularly audit and update browser configurations to minimize exposure to similar vulnerabilities. 7. Coordinate with IT and security teams to integrate vulnerability management processes that prioritize browser vulnerabilities due to their high exploitation potential. 8. Consider deploying browser isolation technologies for high-risk users or environments to contain potential exploits.