CVE-2015-2714 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
Mozilla Firefox before 38.0 on Android does not properly restrict writing URL data to the Android logging system, which allows attackers to obtain sensitive information via a crafted application that has a required permission for reading a log, as demonstrated by the READ_LOGS permission for the mixed-content violation log on Android 4.0 and earlier.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2022
This vulnerability in Mozilla Firefox versions prior to 38.0 on Android platforms represents a critical information disclosure flaw that stems from improper handling of URL data within the Android logging system. The vulnerability arises from Firefox's failure to adequately sanitize or restrict the writing of URL data to Android's system logs, creating an unintended information exposure channel that can be exploited by malicious applications. The flaw specifically affects Android versions 4.0 and earlier where the READ_LOGS permission allows applications to access system log data, enabling attackers to extract sensitive information from the logging system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves Firefox's logging mechanism on Android devices where URL data is written to system logs without proper access controls or data sanitization. When Firefox processes web content and encounters mixed-content violations or other web-related events, it writes relevant URL information to Android's logging system. However, the application fails to properly restrict which data can be written to logs or implement appropriate access controls that would prevent unauthorized reading of this information. This design flaw allows any application with the READ_LOGS permission to access these log entries and extract sensitive URL data that may contain personal information, session identifiers, or other confidential web browsing details.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks. Attackers with malicious applications that have been granted the READ_LOGS permission can systematically extract URL data from Firefox's logging system, potentially gaining access to browsing history, personal web addresses, and other sensitive information. This information can be used for targeted attacks, identity theft, or to build profiles of user behavior and preferences. The vulnerability is particularly concerning on Android 4.0 and earlier versions where logging system access controls were less restrictive, and where users might unknowingly grant applications the READ_LOGS permission as part of normal app installation processes.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, Information Exposure, and represents a specific instance of improper restriction of information flow. The flaw also maps to ATT&CK technique T1070.004, Indicator Removal on Host, as it involves the improper handling of log data that could be used for forensic analysis or detection of malicious activities. Organizations and users should implement immediate mitigations including updating to Firefox version 38.0 or later, which includes proper logging restrictions, and reviewing application permissions to ensure that only trusted applications have READ_LOGS permissions. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for unauthorized applications with elevated logging permissions and consider implementing additional network monitoring to detect potential data exfiltration attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and access control implementation in mobile browser applications, particularly when dealing with system-level logging mechanisms that can inadvertently expose sensitive user information.