CVE-2018-5152 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

CVE-2018-5152 is a vulnerability affecting Mozilla Firefox versions prior to 60, allowing content scripts attached to Mozilla websites to monitor network traffic and potentially intercept sensitive data during the user login process.

Understanding CVE-2018-5152

What is CVE-2018-5152?

The vulnerability in CVE-2018-5152 enables WebExtensions with specific permissions to attach content scripts to Mozilla sites like accounts.firefox.com, utilizing the "webRequest" API to eavesdrop on network traffic, potentially compromising user credentials.

The Impact of CVE-2018-5152

This security flaw poses a risk to user login data, including usernames and encrypted passwords, during the login process to Firefox Accounts. However, it does not directly expose synchronization traffic and is limited to data visible to the user post-login.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-5152

Vulnerability Description

WebExtensions with the necessary permissions can attach content scripts to Mozilla websites, allowing them to monitor network traffic using the "webRequest" API, potentially leading to data interception.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Firefox
Vendor: Mozilla
Versions Affected: < 60

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability allows malicious actors to attach content scripts to Mozilla sites, intercepting sensitive data like usernames and encrypted passwords during the user login process.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Firefox to version 60 or above to mitigate the vulnerability.
Avoid logging into sensitive accounts on untrusted networks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update browsers and extensions to the latest versions.
Be cautious when granting permissions to browser extensions.

Patching and Updates

Mozilla has likely released patches addressing CVE-2018-5152. Ensure your Firefox browser is up to date to prevent exploitation.