Firefox automatically checks for updated version of installed Search plugins.

From Mozilla Firefox Security Technical Implementation Guide

Part of DTBF085 - Firefox Preferences –Search update

Associated with IA controls: ECSC-1

SV-21890r1_rule Firefox automatically checks for updated version of installed Search plugins.

Vulnerability discussion

Updates need to be controlled and installed from authorized and trusted servers. This setting overrides a number of other settings which may direct the application to access external URLs.

Check content

Type "about:config" in the browser window. Verify the preference "browser.search.update” is set to "false" and locked. Criteria: If the parameter is set incorrectly, then this is a finding. If the setting is not locked, then this is a finding.

Fix text

Ensure the preference "browser.search.update" is set and locked to the value of “False”.

Pro Tips

Lavender hyperlinks in small type off to the right (of CSS class id, if you view the page source) point to globally unique URIs for each document and item. Copy the link location and paste anywhere you need to talk unambiguously about these things.

You can obtain data about documents and items in other formats. Simply provide an HTTP header Accept: text/turtle or Accept: application/rdf+xml.