Firefox: Web's Most Insecure Browser?

Alex

Say it ain't true, Firefox. The popular browser's reputation has taken yet another hit when a new study by application security vendor Cenzic revealed that Firefox leads the field of browsers in terms of total vulnerability (yes, even besting Internet Explorer):

According to Cenzic, Firefox accounted for 44 percent of all browser vulnerabilities reported in the first half of 2009. In contrast, Apple's Safari had 35 percent of all reported browser vulnerability, Microsoft's Internet Explorer was third at 15 percent and Opera had just six percent share. [...]

As to why Firefox's numbers were so high, Cenzic has a few ideas.

"It's a combination of different things," Lars Ewe, CTO of Cenzic, told InternetNews.com. "They've gotten more traction as a browser, which is good for them and the more you get used the more exposure you have. As well a fair amount of the vulnerabilities have come by way of plug-ins."

One key area that Ewe said was responsible for a number of reported Firefox vulnerabilities is with how the browser handles plug-ins.

"The plug-in architecture that they have is a selling fact for the browser and one of the reasons why I love using it," Ewe said. "They can't control security aspects of all the plug-ins and the vulnerabilities are a side effect of that."

Sean Michael Kerner of the InternetNews explains: Link


Comments (11)

Newest 5
Newest 5 Comments

so they count the number of reported vulnerabilities and from that number conclude the "secure-ness" of a program... I know a way to make the whole world of IT secure at an instant: stop reporting vulnerabilities!

No reports, 100% security!

right?
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@1: Uh, they did it by percentages. You understand percentages, don't you?

I love Firefox, but it's very true that the plugin technology has opened up some vulnerabilities.

And guys: You can be a fan of a product without being a closed-minded shill.
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I really like firefox, and it's my main browser for school, but I prefer Opera. It's faster, it comes with built in IMAP and POP mail, it has its own chat client, and you can import more kinds of bookmarks. Oh, and the fact that it looks nice is just a bonus.
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It might not go over well in the lawsuit-happy and Americans with Disabilities Act enabled USA. The difference the shape of the leading edge of the step (convex vs concave) might cause some problems for users with limited mobility/stability, as they couldn't stand facing the direction of travel.

Also, the direction of motion would need to be picked with some care. In most of the shown applications, the convex leading edge is moving in such a way as to create an on-going pinch hazard with the static side of the escalator. If something (foot, clothing, shopping bag, etc) were set there and brushed the side of the escalator, it would be pushed back until it wedged between the side of the escalator and the step. Maintenance and possible pain with lawsuit ensue.

Lastly, in some applications the ability to reverse the escalator is desired. For instance, at stadiums, train stations and other locations where there is a tidal flow of people (rush hour, before the game and after it, etc), where it wouldn't be practical.

Still a very cool idea. Very creative and great to see someone thinking about these things!
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