CVE-2013-5611 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
Mozilla Firefox before 26.0 does not properly remove the Application Installation doorhanger, which makes it easier for remote attackers to spoof a Web App installation site by controlling the timing of page navigation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-5611 represents a significant security flaw in Mozilla Firefox versions prior to 26.0, specifically concerning the browser's handling of application installation prompts. This issue stems from the improper removal of the Application Installation doorhanger, a user interface element that appears when websites attempt to install web applications. The doorhanger serves as a security indicator to users, informing them about pending application installations and allowing them to make informed decisions about whether to proceed with the installation process.
The technical flaw manifests when the browser fails to adequately clear or dismiss the doorhanger prompt during page navigation transitions. This incomplete cleanup allows malicious actors to exploit the timing of page loads and navigation events to manipulate the user interface in ways that could deceive users into believing they are interacting with legitimate installation sites. The vulnerability specifically targets the browser's user interface state management during navigation operations, creating a window of opportunity for attackers to craft deceptive scenarios where the doorhanger remains visible while the underlying page content changes.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability significantly increases the attack surface for phishing and social engineering campaigns targeting web application installations. Attackers can manipulate the timing of page navigation to display misleading installation prompts while the user is transitioning between pages, potentially causing users to inadvertently approve malicious application installations. The flaw essentially creates a persistent UI element that can be leveraged to spoof legitimate installation processes, undermining the security mechanisms that users rely upon to make informed decisions about web application installations.
The impact of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-613, which addresses insufficient session management, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1176 for "Browser Extensions") and T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell"). The vulnerability demonstrates how user interface state management failures can create persistent security risks that extend beyond traditional code execution vectors. The timing-based exploitation technique used in this case represents a sophisticated approach to bypassing browser security mechanisms, as it leverages legitimate browser navigation behavior to maintain deceptive UI states.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability primarily involve updating to Firefox version 26.0 or later, where the doorhanger removal mechanism has been properly implemented. Additionally, users should maintain awareness of suspicious installation prompts and verify the authenticity of web applications before approving installations. Browser vendors should implement robust state management for UI elements during navigation events, ensuring that security-related prompts are properly cleared when page transitions occur. The vulnerability highlights the importance of comprehensive testing for UI state management during navigation operations and demonstrates how seemingly minor interface elements can create significant security implications when not properly handled. Organizations should also consider implementing browser hardening policies that restrict automatic application installations and maintain regular patch management schedules to address such vulnerabilities promptly.