Firefox 154.0: local network protection for WebSocket and flexible data clearing

Mozilla has released Firefox 154.0. The update isn't notable for an abundance of headline features, but several of the changes concern user privacy and security.

The release's main innovation is the extension of the local network access protection mechanism to WebSocket connections. Previously this protection limited attempts by web pages to reach devices and services inside the user's local network; now connections over the WebSocket protocol fall under it as well. Such a barrier is meant to complicate scenarios in which a site from the internet tries to interact with resources on a home or corporate network without the owner's knowledge.

The second noteworthy change is more flexible management of the deletion of cookies and site data. Clearing settings can now be defined individually for each resource, rather than applying uniform rules across the whole browser. This makes it possible, for example, to automatically wipe data for some sites while preserving it for those where staying signed in matters.

The details of the release are limited to a brief announcement; the authors note that, beyond what is listed, the version also includes other, less significant improvements.

Source: LWN.net