ARK Browser Vulnerability Overview

Oct 11, 2024

The Code Report - ARK Web Browser Vulnerability (October 4th, 2024)

Overview

  • Incident: ARK web browser experienced a serious vulnerability.
  • Potential Impact: Hacker could execute CSS and JavaScript across websites, potentially logging passwords, tracking history, and inserting fake news.
  • Resolution: Issue patched promptly with no exploitation reported.
  • Cause: Misconfigured security rules on Firebase backend.

ARK Browser

  • Claim: Chrome replacement focusing on privacy and security.
  • Features:
    • Tab organization on the side.
    • Built-in shortcuts.
    • Command palette-like feature similar to VS Code.
  • Technical Base:
    • Built on Chromium engine.
    • Front-end UI in Swift.

Vulnerability Details

  • Discovery: Reported by security researcher XYZ3VA.
  • Feature Involved: "Boosts" feature allows customization of websites with CSS/JavaScript.
  • Storage: Boosts stored on Firebase and Cloud Firestore.
  • Misconfiguration:
    • Users could change their own boost's creator ID to another user's ID.
    • Potential for malicious JavaScript execution on other users' devices.

Firebase and Firestore

  • Functionality:
    • User data stored in Firestore, a NoSQL database.
    • Direct client-side queries allowed with necessary security rules.
  • Security Flaw:
    • Inadequate security rules allowed user ID manipulation.
    • Fixable with a Firestore rule restricting user ID updates.

Responsibility and Fixes

  • Blame: Primarily on ARK for mismanaging security configuration.
  • Action: Immediate fix deployed; ARK moving away from Firebase.
  • Lesson: Importance of rigorous security logic testing, especially with executable code.

Alternatives

  • Clerk: Advertised as a secure user authentication solution.
    • Features include biometric passkeys, multi-factor authentication, and customizable UI components.

Conclusion

  • Key Takeaway: Ensure robust security practices in development.
  • Call to Action: Try Clerk for secure user management solutions.

This summary was based on The Code Report presentation discussing the recent ARK browser vulnerability and security implications in using Firebase.