CVE-2023-5496 in PoqDev Add-On
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
A vulnerability was found in Translator PoqDev Add-On 1.0.11 on Firefox. It has been rated as problematic. This issue affects some unknown processing of the component Select Text Handler. The manipulation leads to cross site scripting. The attack may be initiated remotely. The complexity of an attack is rather high. The exploitation is known to be difficult. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The identifier VDB-241649 was assigned to this vulnerability. NOTE: The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/28/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-5496 represents a cross-site scripting flaw within the Translator PoqDev Add-On version 1.0.11 for Firefox browsers. This security weakness resides in the Select Text Handler component of the add-on, which processes user interactions when selecting text within web pages. The vulnerability has been classified as problematic by security researchers and carries significant implications for web browser security. The issue was assigned the identifier VDB-241649, indicating its recognition within vulnerability databases. Security assessments have determined that this vulnerability can be exploited remotely, meaning attackers do not require physical access to the target system to carry out attacks. The complexity level of exploitation has been rated as high, suggesting that successful exploitation requires considerable technical expertise and resources. The attack vector specifically targets the text selection functionality that users perform within Firefox environments, making it particularly concerning given the widespread use of web browsers for daily activities.
The technical flaw manifests when the Select Text Handler component fails to properly sanitize or validate user input during text selection operations. This inadequate input handling creates an opening for malicious actors to inject malicious scripts that can execute within the context of the victim's browser session. The cross-site scripting vulnerability allows attackers to potentially steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious websites, or execute unauthorized actions on behalf of the user. The exploitation difficulty rating indicates that sophisticated attack techniques are required, likely involving multiple steps to craft effective payloads that can bypass browser security mechanisms. This complexity suggests that while not trivial to exploit, the vulnerability represents a genuine threat that could be weaponized by determined attackers. The fact that public exploitation methods have been disclosed means that threat actors can leverage existing techniques to target users running the affected add-on version.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-5496 extends beyond individual user sessions to potentially compromise broader web browsing security. When users select text on web pages, they unknowingly interact with the vulnerable component, creating opportunities for persistent attacks. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target users from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that rely on Firefox-based workflows. Browser add-ons like the Translator PoqDev Add-On are trusted components that often have elevated privileges within browser contexts, amplifying the potential damage from this XSS vulnerability. The lack of vendor response after initial disclosure creates additional concern, as users have no assurance that a patch or remediation will be forthcoming. This delay in vendor acknowledgment can leave users exposed for extended periods, particularly in enterprise environments where add-on management may be centralized and slow to update.
Organizations and individual users should immediately take mitigative actions to protect against exploitation of this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves uninstalling the affected Translator PoqDev Add-On version 1.0.11 until a patched version becomes available or alternative solutions are implemented. Browser security configurations should be reviewed to ensure that existing XSS protection mechanisms are properly enabled and functioning. Users should be educated about the risks of installing third-party add-ons from untrusted sources and the importance of keeping browser extensions updated. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious browser behaviors that might indicate exploitation attempts. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, and could be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script execution. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date browser extensions and the risks associated with third-party software that lacks proper security validation processes. Organizations should also consider implementing browser security policies that restrict the installation of unsigned or unverified add-ons to prevent similar issues from affecting their environments.