CVE-2023-37203 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE • 07/05/2023
Insufficient validation in the Drag and Drop API in conjunction with social engineering, may have allowed an attacker to trick end-users into creating a shortcut to local system files. This could have been leveraged to execute arbitrary code. This vulnerability affects Firefox < 115.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-37203 represents a critical security flaw in the Firefox web browser's implementation of the Drag and Drop API. This weakness stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly verify the legitimacy of file operations initiated through user interactions. The vulnerability specifically impacts Firefox versions prior to 115, creating a window of exposure where users could be deceived into performing malicious actions through carefully crafted social engineering attacks. The core issue lies in how the browser handles file system interactions during drag and drop operations, particularly when these operations involve local system resources.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a combination of browser API misimplementation and user manipulation techniques. When users interact with web content that employs the Drag and Drop API, the browser should validate that the operations being performed do not inadvertently grant access to local system files. However, the insufficient validation allows attackers to construct malicious web pages that can trick users into creating shortcuts or references to local system files through seemingly benign drag and drop interactions. This flaw creates a pathway for attackers to potentially escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code on the victim's system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple browser compromise, as it represents a sophisticated attack vector that leverages both technical and social engineering components. Attackers can craft deceptive web pages that appear legitimate while secretly manipulating the Drag and Drop API to access local file systems. This capability could enable attackers to read sensitive files, modify system configurations, or even install malware without direct user consent. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal user interaction beyond normal browsing activities, making it difficult to detect and prevent through traditional security measures.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and represents a clear example of how browser APIs can be exploited when proper security controls are not implemented. The attack pattern follows elements of the ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078 for valid accounts, as the exploitation involves executing code through legitimate browser mechanisms while potentially leveraging user credentials and system access. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected Firefox installations to mitigate this risk, as the vulnerability creates a direct path for privilege escalation and system compromise through user interaction with malicious web content.
The remediation strategy centers on updating to Firefox version 115 or later, where the Drag and Drop API validation has been strengthened to prevent unauthorized access to local system files. Security administrators should also implement network-level monitoring to detect suspicious drag and drop activities and consider user education programs to help identify potential social engineering attempts. Additionally, browser security policies and content security policies should be reviewed to ensure that web applications cannot bypass the necessary validation checks that protect against this type of attack vector.