CVE-2015-5960 in Firefox OS
Summary
by MITRE
Mozilla Firefox OS before 2.2 allows physically proximate attackers to bypass the pass-code protection mechanism and access USB Mass Storage (UMS) media volumes by using the USB interface for a mount operation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/01/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2015-5960 represents a critical security flaw in Mozilla Firefox OS versions prior to 2.2 that directly impacts the device's physical security mechanisms. This issue specifically targets the pass-code protection system that is designed to prevent unauthorized access to device storage and data when the device is locked. The flaw allows attackers who are physically present and have access to the device's USB interface to circumvent the established security controls and gain access to USB Mass Storage media volumes without proper authentication.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of USB interface operations within the Firefox OS security framework. When a device is locked with a pass-code protection mechanism, the operating system should enforce strict access controls that prevent unauthorized data access through any interface, including USB connections. However, the flaw in Firefox OS versions before 2.2 permits attackers to perform mount operations through the USB interface without first providing the correct pass-code authentication. This represents a fundamental breakdown in the operating system's security model where the physical security boundary established by the pass-code protection is bypassed through legitimate USB functionality.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for users who rely on Firefox OS devices for sensitive data storage and communication. The attack vector requires only physical proximity to the device and access to its USB port, making it particularly dangerous in environments where devices might be left unattended or where attackers have opportunistic access. The implications extend beyond simple data theft, as attackers could potentially modify or corrupt stored data, install malicious software, or exfiltrate confidential information through the USB Mass Storage interface. This vulnerability directly contradicts the principle of least privilege and undermines the device's fundamental security posture that users expect when locking their devices.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control mechanisms, and can be categorized under the ATT&CK technique T1059.005 for system execution through USB interfaces. Organizations and individuals using Firefox OS devices before version 2.2 should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to the patched version, disabling USB Mass Storage functionality when not required, and implementing additional physical security measures such as secure device storage and monitoring protocols. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of comprehensive security testing for mobile operating systems, particularly regarding the interaction between different security mechanisms and physical interfaces. This flaw demonstrates how seemingly legitimate device functionality can be exploited to bypass critical security controls, emphasizing the need for robust security architecture that considers all potential attack vectors including physical interfaces and their interactions with authentication mechanisms.