CVE-2019-11718 : Security Advisory and Response

Firefox before version 68 is vulnerable to unauthorized access due to unsanitized content from the Snippet Service website being incorporated into the Activity Stream's innerHTML component.

Understanding CVE-2019-11718

This CVE involves a security vulnerability in Firefox versions prior to 68 that could potentially lead to unauthorized access to additional information through the Activity Stream.

What is CVE-2019-11718?

The Activity Stream in Firefox can display content from the Snippet Service website. However, when this content is added to the Activity Stream page, it is not properly sanitized, which could allow unauthorized access to more information, including browsing history, if the Snippet Service is compromised.

The Impact of CVE-2019-11718

The vulnerability in Firefox versions earlier than 68 could result in unauthorized access to additional information accessible through the Activity Stream, potentially compromising user privacy and security.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-11718

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

Activity Stream in Firefox writes unsanitized content to innerHTML, which can lead to unauthorized access to additional information.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Firefox
Vendor: Mozilla
Versions Affected: < 68

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability arises from the improper sanitization of content from the Snippet Service website, allowing unauthorized access to more information through the Activity Stream.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2019-11718 and enhance security, follow these steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Firefox to version 68 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Regularly monitor security advisories from Mozilla for any updates or patches.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices to sanitize and validate all external content before displaying it.
Educate users on safe browsing habits and the importance of keeping software up to date.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by Mozilla promptly to address security vulnerabilities and enhance protection against potential threats.