CVE-2025-54145 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE • 08/20/2025
The QR scanner could allow arbitrary websites to be opened if a user was tricked into scanning a malicious link that leveraged Firefox's open-text URL scheme This vulnerability affects Firefox for iOS < 141.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-54145 represents a critical security flaw in Firefox for iOS versions prior to 141, specifically within the QR code scanning functionality. This issue stems from insufficient validation of URL schemes when processing QR codes, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit user trust and potentially redirect them to harmful websites. The vulnerability exploits the interaction between Firefox's QR scanner and the open-text URL scheme, which is designed to handle text-based URLs but fails to properly sanitize or validate the content being processed. When users scan QR codes that contain malicious URLs, the application may inadvertently execute these links without proper security checks, potentially leading to unauthorized website access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in how Firefox for iOS handles URL parsing and execution within its QR code scanning feature. The QR scanner component lacks proper input validation mechanisms that would normally prevent potentially dangerous URL schemes from being executed directly. This flaw allows attackers to craft QR codes containing specially formatted URLs that leverage Firefox's open-text URL scheme to bypass normal security restrictions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires minimal user interaction beyond the simple act of scanning a QR code, making it susceptible to social engineering attacks where users might be tricked into scanning malicious codes without realizing the potential consequences. The flaw operates at the application layer and could be classified under CWE-20 as "Improper Input Validation" with potential implications for CWE-79 "Cross-site Scripting" and CWE-94 "Improper Control of Generation of Code."
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to user security and privacy, particularly in environments where mobile devices are commonly used for sensitive activities. Attackers could potentially redirect users to phishing websites, malicious download pages, or sites designed to exploit other vulnerabilities in the browser or operating system. The impact extends beyond simple website redirection as it could enable more sophisticated attacks such as credential theft, malware distribution, or further exploitation of the device. Users may be unaware that they have been redirected to malicious sites, especially if the QR code appears legitimate or is presented in a trusted context. The vulnerability affects a mobile platform where users often have less control over their security environment compared to desktop systems, making the risk even more pronounced.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate application updates and user awareness training. Users should be advised to only scan QR codes from trusted sources and to verify URLs before clicking on any links that may have been opened through QR scanning. Organizations should implement mobile device management policies that enforce timely updates of browser applications and establish clear guidelines for QR code usage in corporate environments. The fix for this vulnerability would involve implementing proper URL validation within the QR scanner component, ensuring that all URLs are sanitized and validated before execution. This includes checking for potentially dangerous URL schemes and implementing proper sandboxing mechanisms to prevent unauthorized website access. Security teams should also monitor for any reported instances of exploitation and consider implementing network-level protections such as URL filtering and content inspection to detect and block malicious QR code content. The remediation process should align with industry best practices for mobile security and may involve collaboration with Apple's App Store review processes to ensure that affected versions are promptly removed from distribution.