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January 30, 2008 10:02 AM PST

Mozilla fixes Firefox's flat add-on vulnerability

by Robert Vamosi
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The security team at Mozilla has fixed the flat add-on vulnerability acknowledged last week. However, no decision has been made when Firefox 2.0.0.12 will be pushed out to users' desktops.

The vulnerability, known formally as the "chrome protocol directory transversal," occurs when a "flat" add-on is present. In this case, an extension to the browser stores its information within JavaScript files as opposed to JAR files. Window Snyder, Mozilla's chief of security, says the vulnerability is not within the browser, but in how the extensions are written.

An attacker exploiting this flaw may be able to retrieve data or profile a compromised system.

Extensions such as Greasemonkey and Download Statusbar were initially mentioned. However, the current list of affected extensions provided by Mozilla is much longer.

As CNET's resident security expert, Robert Vamosi has been interviewed on the BBC, CNN, MSNBC, and other outlets to share his knowledge about the latest online threats and to offer advice on personal and corporate security. Listen to his podcast at securitybites.cnet.com or e-mail Robert with your questions and comments.
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The browser battles go on and on

roundup From Firefox to IE and from Chrome to Opera and Safari, there's no sitting still for browser makers looking to keep their products fresh and competitive.

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