CVE-2021-23963:Firefox WebRTC Geolocation Permission Control Vulnerability (CVE-2021-23963)

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Description Preview

A vulnerability in Firefox's WebRTC implementation could cause the browser to reset the WebRTC sharing state in the user interface when sharing geolocation during an active WebRTC session. This could lead to users losing control over currently granted permissions, potentially allowing websites to continue accessing camera, microphone, or screen sharing without clear indication to the user. This vulnerability affects Firefox versions prior to 85.

Overview

CVE-2021-23963 is classified as CWE-281 (Improper Preservation of Permissions). The issue occurs when a user shares geolocation information while already having an active WebRTC session (for audio, video, or screen sharing). Under these conditions, Firefox could incorrectly reset the WebRTC sharing state in the user interface, making it appear as if permissions were no longer active when they actually were. This creates a situation where users might not be aware that their camera, microphone, or screen was still being shared, effectively losing control over these sensitive permissions. The vulnerability represents a significant privacy risk as users might continue sharing sensitive data without their knowledge or intent.

Remediation

Users should update to Firefox version 85 or later, which contains the fix for this vulnerability. Mozilla has addressed the issue by improving the handling of permission states when geolocation is shared during active WebRTC sessions.

For system administrators in enterprise environments:

  1. Deploy Firefox 85 or later across all managed systems
  2. Consider implementing policies that control WebRTC permissions in your environment
  3. Educate users about checking permission indicators in their browsers
  4. If updates cannot be applied immediately, consider disabling WebRTC functionality through Firefox policies until systems can be updated

References

  1. Mozilla Foundation Security Advisory (MFSA2021-03): https://www.mozilla.org/security/advisories/mfsa2021-03/
  2. Mozilla Bugzilla Bug Tracking: https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=1680793
  3. Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE-281): https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/281.html
  4. Firefox 85 Release Notes: https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/85.0/releasenotes/

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Health Care & Social Assistance
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  2. Manufacturing
    Manufacturing
  3. Public Administration
    Public Administration
  4. Educational Services
    Educational Services
  5. Transportation & Warehousing
    Transportation & Warehousing
  6. Finance and Insurance
    Finance and Insurance
  7. Retail Trade
    Retail Trade
  8. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  9. Utilities
    Utilities
  10. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  11. Other Services (except Public Administration)
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  12. Information
    Information
  13. Management of Companies & Enterprises
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  14. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  15. Real Estate Rental & Leasing
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  16. Construction
    Construction
  17. Mining
    Mining
  18. Accommodation & Food Services
    Accommodation & Food Services
  19. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  20. Wholesale Trade
    Wholesale Trade

Focus on What Matters

  1. See Everything.
  2. Identify True Risk.
  3. Proactively Mitigate Threats.

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