PWAsForFirefox is a tool to install, manage and use Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) in Mozilla Firefox. Due to improper sanitization of web app properties (such as name, description, shortcuts), web apps were able to inject additional lines into XDG Desktop Entries (on Linux) and `AppInfo.ini` (on PortableApps.com). This allowed malicious web apps to introduce keys like `Exec`, which could run arbitrary code when the affected web app was launched. This vulnerability affects all Linux and PortableApps.com users of all PWAsForFirefox versions up to (excluding) 2.12.0. Windows and macOS users are not affected. This vulnerability has been fixed in commit `9932d4b` which has been included in release in v2.12.0. The main fix is implemented in the native part, but the extension also contains additional fixes. All Linux and PortableApps.com users are advised to update to this version as soon as possible. It is also recommended for Windows and macOS users to update to this version, as it contains additional fixes related to properties sanitization. There are no known workarounds for this vulnerability.
The flaw consists of insufficient sanitization of PWA application properties before saving them to XDG Desktop Entries files (Linux) or AppInfo.ini (PortableApps.com). A malicious web application can place additional lines containing configuration keys, such as `Exec`, in its metadata (e.g., in the name or description field). When a user launches the infected PWA application, the system reads these crafted entries and executes the system commands defined in them. The attack requires only user interaction consisting of launching the malicious PWA application.
An attacker can achieve arbitrary code execution (RCE) on the victim's system in the context of the user's privileges running the application, which may result in complete account takeover, data theft, or malicious software installation.
Update PWAsForFirefox to version 2.12.0 or later (commit 9932d4b) as soon as possible. The update includes fixes in both the native tool component and the browser extension. Users on Windows and macOS are also advised to update to v2.12.0 due to additional fixes related to property sanitization. No known workarounds exist for this vulnerability.
All users of Linux systems and the PortableApps.com platform using PWAsForFirefox in all versions preceding 2.12.0. Users on Windows and macOS are not vulnerable to this specific vulnerability.
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H