CVE-2022-34483 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE • 12/22/2022
An attacker who could have convinced a user to drag and drop an image to a filesystem could have manipulated the resulting filename to contain an executable extension, and by extension potentially tricked the user into executing malicious code. While very similar, this is a separate issue from CVE-2022-34482. This vulnerability affects Firefox < 102.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2026
This vulnerability represents a sophisticated file handling flaw that exploits user interaction patterns in web browsers, specifically targeting the drag and drop functionality within Firefox versions prior to 102. The security issue stems from improper filename validation during file operations, where the browser fails to adequately sanitize or restrict file extensions when processing dropped files. Attackers can manipulate the filename during the drag and drop process to include executable extensions such as .exe, .bat, or .scr, creating a deceptive scenario where legitimate file operations could result in malicious code execution. The vulnerability specifically leverages the trust users place in standard file operations while exploiting the browser's insufficient validation mechanisms for file naming conventions. This type of attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal technical expertise from the attacker while relying on social engineering elements that can be highly effective in real-world scenarios.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the browser's file system handling routines that do not properly validate the extension of filenames during drag and drop operations. When a user drags an image file and drops it into a filesystem location, the browser creates a file with the name provided by the user or derived from the source file. However, the validation process fails to prevent the insertion of executable extensions or to properly handle cases where the filename contains malicious extensions that could be hidden or disguised. This flaw falls under the category of improper input validation as defined by CWE-20, specifically related to insufficient filename validation during file operations. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of insufficient sanitization of user-supplied data within file system contexts, where the system does not adequately check or modify potentially dangerous file names before creating the actual file on disk.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it creates a potential attack pathway for executing malicious code through seemingly benign user interactions. An attacker could craft a malicious image file with a deceptive filename containing an executable extension, tricking users into dragging and dropping it into a target directory. The attack becomes particularly effective because it exploits the user's trust in standard file operations and the browser's assumption that users will not maliciously manipulate filenames during drag and drop. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage, as the ultimate goal would be to execute code through the manipulated file extension. The attack requires minimal user interaction beyond the drag and drop action, making it highly effective for social engineering campaigns and potentially leading to full system compromise.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve updating Firefox to version 102 or later, where the developers have implemented proper filename validation and sanitization for drag and drop operations. Organizations should also implement additional layers of protection such as restricting file type permissions in user directories and implementing application whitelisting policies that prevent execution of unknown file types. System administrators should consider deploying security tools that monitor file creation patterns and can detect suspicious filename manipulations, particularly those involving executable extensions. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation in all file handling operations and serves as a reminder that even seemingly simple user interactions can contain complex security implications. Security awareness training should emphasize the risks associated with drag and drop operations and the importance of verifying file types before executing any downloaded content.