CVE-2018-5181: Infoleak

Published May 9, 2018
·
Updated

If a URL using the "file:" protocol is dragged and dropped onto an open tab that is running in a different child process the tab will open a local file corresponding to the dropped URL, contrary to policy. One way to make the target tab open more reliably in a separate process is to open it with the "noopener" keyword. This vulnerability affects Firefox < 60.

Other sources

If a URL using the file: protocol is dragged and dropped onto an open tab that is running in a different child process the tab will open a local file corresponding to the dropped URL, contrary to policy. One way to make the target tab open more reliably in a separate process is to open it with the noopener keyword.

Affected Software

7 affected componentsFixes available
Canonical Ubuntu Linux=14.04
Canonical Ubuntu Linux=16.04
Canonical Ubuntu Linux=17.10
Canonical Ubuntu Linux=18.04
Mozilla Firefox<60.0
Mozilla Firefox<60
60
debian/firefox
148.0-1

Event History

May 9, 2018
CVE Published
12:00 AM
Jun 11, 2018
CVE Published
via MITRE·09:00 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·09:00 PM
DescriptionWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·09:29 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Jan 11, 2024
Data Sourced
via Launchpad·11:06 PM
Description
Dec 14, 2025
Data Sourced
via Ubuntu·06:29 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Feb 27, 2026
Data Sourced
via Debian·12:55 AM
DescriptionAffected Software

Parent advisories

This vulnerability appears in the following advisories.

Free Weekly Intel

Don't miss critical vulnerabilities

Join thousands of security professionals who receive our weekly digest of trending CVEs, zero-days, and exploited vulnerabilities.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is CVE-2018-5181?

CVE-2018-5181 is a vulnerability where if a URL using the "file:" protocol is dragged and dropped onto an open tab that is running in a different child process in Mozilla Firefox, the tab will open a local file even if it goes against policy.

2

How does CVE-2018-5181 affect Mozilla Firefox?

CVE-2018-5181 affects Mozilla Firefox versions up to and excluding 60.0, allowing a local file to be opened contrary to policy when a URL with the "file:" protocol is dragged and dropped onto an open tab running in a different process.

3

What is the severity level of CVE-2018-5181?

The severity level of CVE-2018-5181 is high, with a CVSS score of 7.5.

4

How can I fix CVE-2018-5181 in Mozilla Firefox?

To fix CVE-2018-5181 in Mozilla Firefox, update your browser to version 60.0 or higher.

5

Where can I find more information about CVE-2018-5181?

You can find more information about CVE-2018-5181 on the Mozilla Bugzilla website (https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=1424107), the Mozilla Security Advisories website (https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/security/advisories/mfsa2018-11/), and the SecurityFocus website (http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/104139).

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203