The CVE-2025-0244 vulnerability, identified in Firefox for Android, allows an attacker to spoof the address bar by redirecting to an invalid protocol scheme. This security issue affects Firefox versions earlier than 134 and is specific to Android operating systems; other platforms remain unaffected.

In this long read, we will explore the details of this vulnerability, demonstrating how the exploit works, discussing the potential consequences, and suggesting mitigation strategies.

Vulnerability Details

The CVE-2025-0244 vulnerability exists due to a flaw in the way Firefox for Android handles URL redirection with invalid protocol schemes. Under certain conditions, an attacker may exploit this vulnerability to manipulate the address bar's displayed URL, causing it to show a different address than the actual web page the victim visits. This action opens the door for phishing attacks, where attackers trick users into providing sensitive information by making them think they are interacting with a legitimate site.

Here is a code snippet demonstrating the exploit

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
    <meta charset="UTF-8">
    <meta http-equiv="refresh" content=";url=org-protocol:///example.com">
    <title>Exploit</title>
</head>
<body>
</body>
</html>

This simple HTML file utilizes a meta tag to automatically refresh and redirect the browser to an invalid protocol scheme URL (“org-protocol:///example.com”). If the browser is susceptible to the CVE-2025-0244 vulnerability, it will display "example.com" in the address bar instead of the actual URL.

Original References and Exploit Details

Mozilla, the organization behind Firefox, released detailed information on this vulnerability along with other security issues in their advisory for Firefox 134. According to their documentation, the vulnerability was deemed a moderate security risk. You can find the full advisory at the following link:

Firefox 134 Security Advisory

Mitigation Strategies

To protect yourself from this vulnerability, you should update your Firefox for Android to the latest version, as the issue was resolved in Firefox 134. Automatic updates should have been applied if you have this feature enabled.

Find 'Firefox Browser' in the list of applications and tap 'Update.'

Note: If 'Update' is not available, your Firefox Browser is already up to date.

Conclusion

The CVE-2025-0244 vulnerability in Firefox for Android demonstrates the importance of regularly updating your software to protect against potential security threats. By staying informed about new vulnerabilities and applying updates in a timely manner, you can help safeguard your personal information and maintain a more secure online presence.

Remember, this vulnerability only affects Android operating systems; other platforms remain unaffected. Always be cautious when visiting websites and providing sensitive information, even if the address bar appears to be showing a legitimate domain.

Timeline

Published on: 01/07/2025 16:15:39 UTC
Last modified on: 01/08/2025 16:15:37 UTC