CVE-2017-5391 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2017-5391, a Mozilla Firefox vulnerability allowing privilege escalation through content-injection bugs. Find out how to mitigate and prevent this security risk.
CVE-2017-5391 is a vulnerability affecting Mozilla Firefox versions prior to 51, allowing for potential privilege escalation through content-injection bugs.
Understanding CVE-2017-5391
What is CVE-2017-5391?
The vulnerability arises from the ability of web content to load privileged "about:" pages within an iframe, potentially leading to privilege escalation if a content-injection flaw is present.
The Impact of CVE-2017-5391
The vulnerability impacts Firefox versions before 51, posing a risk of unauthorized privilege escalation.
Technical Details of CVE-2017-5391
Vulnerability Description
Web content can load privileged "about:" pages, and if a content-injection bug is found, it could lead to privilege escalation.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Firefox
- Vendor: Mozilla
- Versions Affected: < 51
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability allows web content to load privileged "about:" pages, potentially enabling attackers to escalate privileges.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update Firefox to version 51 or above to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Avoid visiting untrusted websites to reduce the risk of exploitation.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update browsers and software to patch known vulnerabilities.
- Implement security best practices to prevent privilege escalation attacks.
Patching and Updates
Apply security patches and updates provided by Mozilla to address CVE-2017-5391.