CVE-2017-5393 : Security Advisory and Response

CVE-2017-5393 was published on June 11, 2018, and affects Mozilla Firefox versions below 51. The vulnerability lies in the "mozAddonManager" feature, allowing the installation of extensions from the CDN for addons.mozilla.org, potentially leading to the installation of malicious extensions.

Understanding CVE-2017-5393

This CVE highlights a security flaw in Firefox versions prior to 51, enabling the installation of harmful extensions from the CDN for addons.mozilla.org.

What is CVE-2017-5393?

The vulnerability in the "mozAddonManager" feature of Firefox versions below 51 allows malicious extensions to be installed from the CDN for addons.mozilla.org, posing a risk of additional extensions being installed through XSS attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2017-5393

The security issue could result in the unauthorized installation of harmful extensions, compromising user data and system integrity.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-5393

The technical aspects of this CVE are crucial to understanding its implications.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in the "mozAddonManager" feature permits the installation of extensions from the CDN for addons.mozilla.org, potentially leading to the installation of malicious extensions through XSS attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Firefox
Vendor: Mozilla
Versions Affected: Below 51

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by combining an XSS attack on Mozilla AMO websites with the capability of the "mozAddonManager" to install extensions from the CDN.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-5393 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Firefox to version 51 or above to mitigate the vulnerability.
Avoid visiting untrusted websites to minimize the risk of XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update browsers and extensions to patch security vulnerabilities.
Implement robust security measures to prevent unauthorized installations of extensions.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Mozilla to apply relevant patches promptly.