CVE-2019-11723 : Security Advisory and Response

A security weakness in Firefox versions prior to 68 allows for potential cookie exposure when adding extensions, affecting users of the Firefox Multi-Account Containers Web Extension.

Understanding CVE-2019-11723

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in Firefox that could lead to cookie leakage during the process of adding extensions.

What is CVE-2019-11723?

The vulnerability arises during the initial retrieval of extensions, overlooking origin specifications in the browsing context.
Users of the Firefox Multi-Account Containers Web Extension are at risk of cookie exposure in private browsing mode or across different containers.

The Impact of CVE-2019-11723

Affected Firefox versions prior to 68 are susceptible to potential cookie exposure, compromising user privacy and security.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-11723

This section delves into the technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability occurs during the installation of add-ons, where the initial fetch fails to consider the origin attributes of the browsing context.
This oversight can result in the leakage of cookies, particularly affecting users of the Firefox Multi-Account Containers Web Extension.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Firefox
Vendor: Mozilla
Versions Affected: < 68

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploitation involves the improper handling of origin attributes during the extension installation process, leading to potential cookie exposure.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-11723 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Firefox to version 68 or above to mitigate the vulnerability.
Avoid installing extensions from untrusted sources.
Regularly clear cookies and browsing data.

Long-Term Security Practices

Enable automatic updates for Firefox to ensure timely security patches.
Periodically review and remove unnecessary browser extensions.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Mozilla and promptly apply recommended patches to secure the browser.