CVE-2020-15666 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability in Firefox and Firefox for Android versions less than 80 could lead to information leakage, potentially exposing sensitive data.

Understanding CVE-2020-15666

This CVE involves the disclosure of exact status codes in certain contexts, potentially leading to security risks.

What is CVE-2020-15666?

When attempting to load non-video content in an audio/video context, this vulnerability exposes specific status codes, allowing attackers to infer login status or discover devices on a local network.

The Impact of CVE-2020-15666

The disclosure of detailed status codes can lead to various attacks, compromising user privacy and network security.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-15666

This section provides in-depth technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The MediaError Message in Firefox and Firefox for Android versions less than 80 reveals exact status codes, contrary to standardized disclosure practices.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Firefox
Vendor: Mozilla
Versions Affected: < 80
Product: Firefox for Android
Vendor: Mozilla
Versions Affected: < 80

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability occurs when loading non-video content in an audio/video context, leading to the disclosure of specific status codes.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-15666 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Firefox and Firefox for Android to versions 80 or higher.
Avoid loading non-video content in audio/video contexts.
Monitor network activity for any suspicious behavior.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update browsers and applications to the latest versions.
Educate users on safe browsing practices and potential security risks.
Implement network security measures to prevent unauthorized access.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates to mitigate the vulnerability effectively.