NoScript (or NoScript Security Suite) is a free and open-sourceextension for Firefox- and Chromium-based web browsers,[4] written and maintained by Giorgio Maone,[5] a software developer and member of the Mozilla Security Group.[6]
Features
The classic NoScript menu in Firefox
Active content blocking
By default, NoScript blocks active (executable) web content, which can be wholly or partially unblocked by allowlisting a site or domain from the extension's toolbar menu or by clicking a placeholder icon.
In the default configuration, active content is globally denied, although the user may turn this around and use NoScript to block specific unwanted content. The allowlist may be permanent or temporary (until the browser closes or the user revokes permissions). Active content may consist of JavaScript, web fonts, media codecs, WebGL, Java applet, Silverlight and Flash. The add-on also offers specific countermeasures against security exploits.[7]
Because many web browser attacks require active content that the browser normally runs without question, disabling such content by default and using it only to the degree that it is necessary reduces the chances of vulnerability exploitation. In addition, not loading this content saves significant bandwidth[8] and defeats some forms of web tracking.
NoScript is useful for developers to see how well their site works with JavaScript turned off. It also can remove many irritating web elements, such as in-page pop-up messages and certain paywalls, which require JavaScript in order to function.
NoScript takes the form of a toolbar icon or status bar icon in Firefox. It displays on every website to denote whether NoScript has either blocked, allowed, or partially allowed scripts to run on the web page being viewed. Clicking or hovering (since version 2.0.3rc1[9]) the mouse cursor on the NoScript icon gives the user the option to allow or forbid the script's processing.
NoScript's interface, whether accessed by right-clicking on the web page or the distinctive NoScript box at the bottom of the page (by default), shows the URL of the script(s) that are blocked, but does not provide any sort of reference to look up whether or not a given script is safe to run.[10] With complex webpages, users may be faced with well over a dozen different cryptic URLs and a non-functioning webpage, with only the choice to allow the script, block the script or to allow it temporarily.
On November 14, 2017, Giorgio Maone announced NoScript 10, which will be "very different" from 5.x versions, and will use WebExtension technology, making it compatible with Firefox Quantum.[11] On November 20, 2017, Maone released version 10.1.1 for Firefox 57 and above. NoScript is available for Firefox for Android.[12]
Anti-XSS protection
On April 11, 2007, NoScript 1.1.4.7 was publicly released,[13] introducing the first client-side protection against Type 0 and Type 1 cross-site scripting (XSS) ever delivered in a web browser.
Whenever a website tries to inject HTML or JavaScript code inside a different site (a violation of the same-origin policy), NoScript filters the malicious request and neutralizes its dangerous payload.[14]
The Application Boundaries Enforcer (ABE) is a built-in NoScript module meant to harden the web application-oriented protections already provided by NoScript, by delivering a firewall-like component running inside the browser.
This "firewall" is specialized in defining and guarding the boundaries of each sensitive web application relevant to the user (e.g., plug-ins, webmail, online banking, and so on), according to policies defined directly by the user, the web developer/administrator, or a trusted third party.[17] In its default configuration, NoScript's ABE provides protection against CSRF and DNS rebinding attacks aimed at intranet resources, such as routers and sensitive web applications.[18]
ClearClick (anti-clickjacking)
NoScript's ClearClick feature,[19] released on October 8, 2008, prevents users from clicking on invisible or "redressed" page elements of embedded documents or applets, defeating all types of clickjacking (i.e., from frames and plug-ins).[20]
This makes NoScript "the only freely available product which offers a reasonable degree of protection against clickjacking attacks."[21]
HTTPS enhancements
NoScript can force the browser to always use HTTPS when establishing connections to some sensitive sites, in order to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks. This behavior can be triggered either by the websites themselves, by sending the Strict Transport Security header, or configured by users for those websites that don't support Strict Transport Security yet.[22]
PC World chose NoScript as one of the 100 Best Products of 2006.[24]
In 2008, NoScript won About.com's "Best Security Add-On" editorial award.[25]
In 2010, NoScript was "The Reader's Choice Awards" winner in the "Best Privacy/Security Add-On" category at About.com.[26]
In 2011, for the second year in a row, NoScript was "The Reader's Choice Awards" winner in the "Best Privacy/Security Add-On" category at About.com.[27]
NoScript was the 2011 (first edition) winner of the Dragon Research Group's "Security Innovation Grant". This award is given to the most innovative project in the area of information security, as judged by an independent committee.[28]
Conflicts
Conflict with Adblock Plus
In May 2009, it was reported that an "extension war" had broken out between NoScript's developer, Giorgio Maone, and the developers of the Firefox ad-blocking extension Adblock Plus after Maone released a version of NoScript that circumvented a block enabled by an AdBlock Plus filter.[29][30] The code implementing this workaround was "camouflaged"[29] to avoid detection. Maone stated that he had implemented it in response to a filter that blocked his own website. After mounting criticism and a declaration by the administrators of the Mozilla Add-ons site that the site would change its guidelines regarding add-on modifications,[31] Maone removed the code and issued a full apology.[29][32]
Conflict with Ghostery
In the immediate aftermath of the Adblock Plus incident,[33] a spat arose between Maone and the developers of the Ghostery add-on after Maone implemented a change on his website that disabled the notification Ghostery used to report web tracking software.[34] This was interpreted as an attempt to "prevent Ghostery from reporting on trackers and ad networks on NoScript's websites".[33] In response, Maone stated that the change was made because Ghostery's notification obscured the donation button on the NoScript site.[35] This conflict was resolved when Maone changed his site's CSS to move—rather than disable—the Ghostery notification.[36]
