Indian govt raises alarm for Mozilla Firefox users: Here’s how to stay safe

If you’re a Mozilla Firefox user, you might want to pay attention to the latest news from the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In). A recent security advisory has raised serious concerns about vulnerabilities in Firefox and Thunderbird that could put your device at risk. With so much of our lives online, it’s essential to ensure that your browsing experience is secure. Here’s what you need to know to keep your devices safe.

CERT-In’s advisory, designated as CIVN-2024-0317, warns that specific versions of Mozilla Firefox and Thunderbird are at high risk of exploitation. 

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If you’re using Firefox versions older than 131, Firefox Extended Support Release (ESR) versions below 128.3 or 115.16, or Thunderbird versions prior to 128.3 and 131, your system could be vulnerable to cyberattacks. These vulnerabilities can allow attackers to take control of your system remotely, potentially leading to unauthorised access and data theft.

One alarming issue is that attackers can bypass built-in security features, making it easier for them to compromise your device. Malicious websites might find ways to evade standard security measures, increasing the chances of exploitation. Additionally, there are risks associated with cross-origin vulnerabilities, allowing harmful sites to breach your browser’s security barriers. 

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Attackers may also use deceptive filenames to trick users into downloading harmful files, making it difficult to tell safe downloads from malicious ones. Techniques like clickjacking could lead users to unknowingly interact with dangerous content, while specially crafted requests may cause denial-of-service (DoS) attacks. Perhaps the most concerning are memory safety bugs that could allow hackers to run harmful code on your system.

How to protect your devices

In light of these serious threats, CERT-In urges users to update their software immediately.  Here’s how to check for updates in Firefox and Thunderbird:

• Open the menu in Mozilla Firefox or Thunderbird.
• Go to the “Help” section.
• Click on “About Firefox” or “About Thunderbird.”
• Check for available updates and allow them to install automatically.
• If an update is available, follow the prompts to install it.
• Once completed, you’ll see a green checkmark indicating your software is up to date.

By staying informed and updating your software regularly, you can significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks and keep your online experience safe and secure.