CVE-2005-0584 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
Firefox before 1.0.1 and Mozilla before 1.7.6, when displaying the HTTP Authentication dialog, do not change the focus to the tab that generated the prompt, which could facilitate spoofing and phishing attacks.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2019
This vulnerability affects web browsers that fail to properly manage tab focus during HTTP authentication prompts, creating a significant security risk for users. The flaw exists in firefox versions prior to 1.0.1 and mozilla versions prior to 1.7.6 where the browser does not automatically shift focus to the tab that initiated the authentication request. This behavior creates an exploitable condition that adversaries can leverage to craft deceptive user experiences.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper window management within the browser's user interface framework. When an HTTP authentication dialog appears, the browser should automatically bring the originating tab into focus to ensure users are aware of which site is requesting credentials. Without this focus change, users may remain in a different tab while the authentication prompt appears, making it difficult to verify the legitimacy of the request. This misbehavior aligns with CWE-691, which addresses insufficient focus management in user interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple user experience issues to create real phishing and spoofing opportunities. Attackers can exploit this weakness by having malicious sites trigger authentication prompts while maintaining control of the user's active browsing tab. Users may unknowingly enter credentials into prompts that appear to be from legitimate sites while actually being hosted on malicious domains. This vulnerability specifically enables techniques categorized under the ATT&CK framework as credential access methods involving social engineering and user deception.
The security implications become particularly severe when considering that HTTP authentication is often used for corporate intranet access, banking applications, and other sensitive systems. Users who are accustomed to seeing authentication prompts in their current tab may not notice that the prompt originates from an unexpected source. This creates an environment where attackers can present convincing fake authentication dialogs while users remain unaware of the actual source of the request.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve updating to patched browser versions where focus management has been properly implemented. Organizations should ensure all users have updated to firefox 1.0.1 or later and mozilla 1.7.6 or later. Browser administrators should also consider implementing additional security measures such as certificate pinning for critical applications and user education about verifying site authenticity before entering credentials. The fix typically involves implementing proper window focus management that automatically brings the originating tab to the foreground when authentication prompts appear, preventing the confusion that enables phishing attacks.