Why you can't just disable JavaScript
Content Security Policy
Why not let domains specify what should be loaded from their websites? This idea has been proposed as a "Content Security Policy" [3]. Unfortunately, the project is new and hasn't gained a lot of traction (on the plus side, there is a working specification and an example add-on for Firefox to implement). In the future, one hopes this project will become more mainstream.
Here Comes Linux
If you can't globally disable JavaScript and if controlling it on a domain-by-domain basis is hit or miss, how are you supposed to surf the web safely and have access to JavaScript-based websites? By using the power of Linux, of course! Chances are good that if you're reading this magazine, you're using Linux (if not, be amazed at how simply a complicated problem can be solved).
Multi-User OS(Linux) + xhost
If you're running the X Window System (XFree86, which begat Free Desktop, which is what you're probably running), you're running a desktop that was designed to, among other things, allow different users and even systems to run and display programs on the desktop. The X server renders and displays the information to the user. The X client runs the program and sends the data to be displayed to the X server. To allow other local users and remote systems to interact safely with the X server on a given host, access controls are implemented. With the program xhost [4], you can manipulate these access controls. If you want to browse the web without worrying about a remote site executing hostile code and taking over your box, simply create a new user for the express purpose of running Firefox. The new user will have permission to run and display programs on your desktop:
Setup (as root): # adduser webuser # passwd webuser Setup (as yourself): $ xhost +SI:localuser:webuser
This code adds and sets a password for a user called webuser. Next, it adds access for the webuser account that allows programs to run and display on your monitor with the use of xhost.
Log in as the "webuser" account $ su -- webuser [enter password] Run firefox $ firefox
When you want to surf the web, you can just open a terminal, use su to change to the web user you have created, and then run Firefox, which will execute and display to the monitor as it normally would. If you wanted to go an extra step, you could run and configure Firefox (installing add-ons, saving passwords, etc.) and then tar up the web user's home directory. After running Firefox, you would simply blow the home directory away and restore it:
Create a backup # cd /home/ # tar --cvf webuser.tar /webuser Restore the backup # rm --rf /home/webuser # tar --xvf /home/webuser.tar --C /home/
Anything an attacker has done to compromise that account will be removed (unless the attacker has launched a second attack against the local system, but this is unlikely).
Of course, any changes you have made in Firefox are lost. Although this is not the most seamless way to go, it is very effective. Unless an attacker manages to execute code and then launch a local attack against your system to elevate privileges, he will be booted off the next time you refresh the account.
« Previous 1 2 3 Next »
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Canonical Bumps LTS Support to 12 years
If you're worried that your Ubuntu LTS release won't be supported long enough to last, Canonical has a surprise for you in the form of 12 years of security coverage.
-
Fedora 40 Beta Released Soon
With the official release of Fedora 40 coming in April, it's almost time to download the beta and see what's new.
-
New Pentesting Distribution to Compete with Kali Linux
SnoopGod is now available for your testing needs
-
Juno Computers Launches Another Linux Laptop
If you're looking for a powerhouse laptop that runs Ubuntu, the Juno Computers Neptune 17 v6 should be on your radar.
-
ZorinOS 17.1 Released, Includes Improved Windows App Support
If you need or desire to run Windows applications on Linux, there's one distribution intent on making that easier for you and its new release further improves that feature.
-
Linux Market Share Surpasses 4% for the First Time
Look out Windows and macOS, Linux is on the rise and has even topped ChromeOS to become the fourth most widely used OS around the globe.
-
KDE’s Plasma 6 Officially Available
KDE’s Plasma 6.0 "Megarelease" has happened, and it's brimming with new features, polish, and performance.
-
Latest Version of Tails Unleashed
Tails 6.0 is based on Debian 12 and includes GNOME 43.
-
KDE Announces New Slimbook V with Plenty of Power and KDE’s Plasma 6
If you're a fan of KDE Plasma, you'll be thrilled to hear they've announced a new Slimbook with an AMD CPU and the latest version of KDE Plasma desktop.
-
Monthly Sponsorship Includes Early Access to elementary OS 8
If you want to get a glimpse of what's in the pipeline for elementary OS 8, just set up a monthly sponsorship to help fund its continued existence.