CVE-2020-6823 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2020-6823, a vulnerability in Firefox < 75 that allows malicious extensions to gain unauthorized access to user accounts. Find mitigation steps and preventive measures here.
A malicious extension in Firefox < 75 could exploit a vulnerability allowing unauthorized access to user accounts.
Understanding CVE-2020-6823
What is CVE-2020-6823?
A malicious extension could manipulate a specific function in Firefox, potentially leading to unauthorized access to user accounts.
The Impact of CVE-2020-6823
This vulnerability could allow attackers to obtain Auth codes and gain unauthorized access to user accounts on service providers.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-6823
Vulnerability Description
A malicious extension could abuse the <code>browser.identity.launchWebAuthFlow</code> function to control the redirect_uri and obtain Auth codes.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Firefox
- Vendor: Mozilla
- Versions Affected: < 75
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability is exploited by manipulating the redirect_uri through a Promise returned by the function.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update Firefox to version 75 or higher to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Avoid installing untrusted extensions to minimize the risk of exploitation.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly review and remove unnecessary browser extensions.
- Educate users on safe browsing habits and the risks associated with installing unknown extensions.
Patching and Updates
Apply security patches and updates provided by Mozilla to address this vulnerability.