CVE-2014-1516 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
The saltProfileName function in base/GeckoProfileDirectories.java in Mozilla Firefox through 28.0.1 on Android relies on Android's weak approach to seeding the Math.random function, which makes it easier for attackers to bypass a profile-randomization protection mechanism via a crafted application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/09/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1516 resides within Mozilla Firefox version 28.0.1 and earlier on Android platforms, specifically within the base/GeckoProfileDirectories.java file. This flaw affects the saltProfileName function which is responsible for implementing profile randomization as a security mechanism. The issue stems from Firefox's reliance on Android's weak seeding approach for the Math.random function, creating predictable patterns that can be exploited by malicious actors. The profile randomization technique was designed to prevent attackers from easily identifying and targeting specific user profiles by introducing randomness into the naming convention, but this protection mechanism becomes ineffective due to the predictable nature of the underlying random number generation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the Android operating system's Math.random function seeding mechanism, which is inherently weak and predictable. This weakness allows attackers to reverse-engineer the randomization process used by Firefox's profile naming system, effectively bypassing the intended security protection. The vulnerability specifically targets the entropy source used for profile salt generation, where insufficient randomness in the seed value leads to deterministic outcomes that can be reproduced by an attacker. This creates a scenario where an adversary can predict the randomized profile names that Firefox would generate, undermining the fundamental purpose of profile randomization as a defense-in-depth mechanism against profile-based attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple profile identification, potentially enabling more sophisticated attacks such as profile-specific data exfiltration, targeted phishing campaigns, or privilege escalation attempts. Attackers can exploit this weakness to conduct profile-based reconnaissance, identifying and targeting specific user profiles for further exploitation. The vulnerability represents a significant weakening of Firefox's security posture on Android devices, particularly in environments where profile isolation is critical for protecting user data and maintaining privacy. This issue affects the broader Android security ecosystem as it demonstrates how client-side applications can be compromised by underlying operating system weaknesses, creating cascading security implications that extend beyond the immediate application scope.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-330 Use of Insufficiently Random Values, which specifically addresses the use of weak random number generators in security-sensitive contexts. The flaw also relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as it enables attackers to craft more effective malicious payloads by understanding the predictable profile naming patterns. Additionally, the vulnerability connects to ATT&CK technique T1078 Valid Accounts, since compromised profile randomization can lead to unauthorized access to user profiles through predictable targeting. The security implications also align with the broader category of privilege escalation vulnerabilities where insufficient entropy in randomization mechanisms can be exploited to bypass access controls. Organizations should consider implementing additional monitoring and detection measures to identify potential exploitation attempts, while the primary mitigation involves updating to Firefox versions that address the random number generation weakness and improve the entropy sources used for profile randomization.