CVE-2020-6809 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2020-6809, a Firefox vulnerability allowing Web Extensions to access local files. Find out how to mitigate this security risk and protect your system.
A vulnerability in Firefox version less than 74 allowed Web Extensions with specific permissions to access local files.
Understanding CVE-2020-6809
What is CVE-2020-6809?
This CVE refers to a security flaw in Firefox that enabled Web Extensions to read local files when having the all-urls permission.
The Impact of CVE-2020-6809
The vulnerability could potentially lead to unauthorized access to sensitive local files by malicious Web Extensions.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-6809
Vulnerability Description
When a Web Extension with the all-urls permission used a fetch request with 'same-origin' mode, it could exploit the flaw to access local files.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Firefox
- Vendor: Mozilla
- Versions Affected: < 74
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability was exploited by Web Extensions with the all-urls permission making fetch requests with a specific mode.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update Firefox to version 74 or higher to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Disable or remove Web Extensions that are not essential for browsing.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly review and audit permissions granted to Web Extensions.
- Be cautious when installing and granting permissions to browser extensions.
Patching and Updates
Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates provided by Mozilla for Firefox.