CVE-2017-5409

What it is

The Mozilla Windows updater can be called by a non-privileged user to delete an arbitrary local file by passing a special path to the callback parameter through the Mozilla Maintenance Service, which has privileged access. Note: This attack requires local system access and only affects Windows. Other operating systems are not affected. This vulnerability affects Firefox ESR < 45.8 and Firefox < 52.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine with a low-privilege account. High risk of data tampering.

Exploit odds

0.4% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2018-06-11 21:29 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 01:20 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.4% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 5.5 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2018-06-11 21:29 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 01:20 UTC

Exploit probability

0.4% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-269 · Improper privilege management

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Mozilla Firefox < 52.0
• Mozilla Firefox < 45.8.0

Attack profile CVSS 3.0 · 5.5

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

High

Availability

None

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2017-5409.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2017-5409. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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