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Is there a way to block browser JavaScript from executing commands that retrieve sensitive information from my local machine, while still allowing JavaScript that is only used for rendering web pages? (lemmy.world)
submitted 1 year ago by to c/opensource@lemmy.ml
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cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/31859998

Please see the cross-post as it is updated.

As a security-conscious user, I've used NoScript since Firefox's early days, but its restrictive nature has become frustrating. I'm often forced to go unprotected just to access websites with multiple scripts running on different domains, which defeats the purpose of using NoScript and balances security and usability that it once provided.

Is there a way to block browser JavaScript from executing commands that retrieve sensitive information from my local machine, while still allowing JavaScript that is only used for rendering web pages?

greatly appreciate any insight

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/31859998

Please see the cross-post as it is updated.

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[–] [S] 2 points 1 year ago (8 children)

by sensitive information I'm referring to

  • local machine time
  • local machine ram
  • local machine operating system + version
  • local machine hardware
  • Serial Number
  • Hardware ID
  • UUID
  • Windows Device ID
  • Windows Product ID
  • ...

Can I prevent javascript from running specific command that retrieve these information?

I found chameleon which spoof local machine operating system + version and browser information. But I'm not sure about other information

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  • [–] 4 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (3 children)

    Most of those things cannot be collected through JavaScript.

    Local time can.

    RAM can only be approximated to protect user privacy. Edit: And it's not available on Firefox.

    OS+version are already in your browser's user-agent string that is sent out with every request you make.

    Machine hardware cannot be enumerated. JavaScript can try to guess your GPU based on what it can do with WebGL.

    There is no way to get a serial number or similar.

    But if you go on to block some of the stuff you make yourself easier to identify. You go from "some guy with Windows" to that "that guy who blocks this and that and also that other thing".

    I think it is much more effective to use Ublock Origin and let it do its thing.

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  • [–] [S] 2 points 1 year ago (2 children)

    Sincere thanks

    @bjoern_tantau@swg-empire.de

    Most of those things cannot be collected through JavaScript.

    Local time can.

    RAM can only be approximated to protect user privacy. Edit: And it’s not available on Firefox.

    OS+version are already in your browser’s user-agent string that is sent out with every request you make.

    Machine hardware cannot be enumerated. JavaScript can try to guess your GPU based on what it can do with WebGL.

    There is no way to get a serial number or similar.

    To spoof timezone/OS+version/browser+version ... and disable WebGL, use https://sereneblue.github.io/chameleon/

    I guess spoofing will not make me stand out?

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  • [–] 2 points 1 year ago (3 children)

    Can you link to a source that confirms this information can be collected with JavaScript (with browser comparison, ideally)? That seems outrageous if it was actually possible.

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  • [+] [S] 1 point 1 year ago (2 children)
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  • [–] 6 points 1 year ago (1 child)

    JavaScript is already sandboxed. You can only execute functions where there is an actual API defined by the browser to do so, for example Date.getTime(). There is / should be no way to get, say, your device ID. (With the exception of unpatched exploits that allow executing arbitrary code. But keep in mind browsers are likely one of the if not the most security tested software.)

    What you linked to here appears to specific to Google Tag Manager in a way that I don't fully understand, but is not related to how websites usually execute JavaScript code.

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