Firefox File modification (SOLVED)

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Grumpus
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Firefox File modification (SOLVED)

Post by Grumpus »

This was the initial post:
Add this to the peculiarities: I cannot determine whether it is OS, rascal or Firefox origin:
One of the first things done with a Firefox update is a number of JavaScript files are edited to remove unwanted items.
Some of these files are located in /usr/lib/firefox and /usr/lib/firefox add-ons.
Also files in the profile are edited to maintain current settings and remove unwanted items.
Areas of edit are sync, search, mail, extensions and some other tweaks.


Found: On cold boot the files in the /usr/lib/firefox and /usr/lib/firefox revert to the installed default.
This is after a previous session where the files were left in the edited state with backup files reading the same.
This occurs in both the 19.3 and 20.1 versions of the Linux Mint Mate OS.
This has been tested and double checked.
If left in the default state it defaults the files in the profile possibly negating various extensions.
This needs to be addressed as a security issue unless there is an explanation from Mozilla or the Linux Mint people.
Last edited by Grumpus on March 25th, 2021, 6:41 am, edited 2 times in total.
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Grumpus
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Re: Firefox File modification (partial) Solved

Post by Grumpus »

You can add Linux Mint 18.2. (EOL april 2021)
This is all having to do with something which has been done by either Mozilla or the Mint configuration people.
This is three different operating systems, all having the same experience after the 86. update

It also appears by changing the /usr/lib/firefox files mentioned the profile files hold edit, at least for now.
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Grumpus
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Re: Firefox File modification (partial) Solved

Post by Grumpus »

Still changing the configuration files in /usr/lib/firefox with a new slant now changing files directly in profile most recent Firefox update 86.0.1
Most of this looks like trying to make sure the Yahoo, Startpage and Duckduck have a place in the profile whether it's wanted or not.
Cold boot or warm boot.
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Grumpus
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Re: Firefox File modification (partial) Solved

Post by Grumpus »

Only way to deal with this so far is to edit the file in /usr/lib/firefox with each new boot of the computer or leave the computer on 24/7.
This is apparent on four separate systems since the update of Firefox 86. Must be some of the new system design.
It appears to only relate to hyphenation, removal of some extensions and the forced use of search engines
Files to edit in /usr/lib/firefox : /usr/lib/distribution/distribution.ini; /usr/lib/browser/defaults/preferences/vendor-firefox.js
These two files modify files in the profile: extension-preferences.json; extension-settings.json.
In some cases the settings in the pref.js file are modified and the similar settings in about:config may be modified.
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Re: Firefox File modification (partial) Solved

Post by Grumpus »

This was directly related to the storage function employed in later versions of Firefox.
Part of the Storage function had been modified so as not to change the search engines and extensions on an update.
However modifying the storage prior to an update moved control back to the profile.
Doesn't matter what you say, it's wrong for a toaster to walk around the house and talk to you
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