FF files return to default after edit (Linux) SOLVED

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Grumpus
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FF files return to default after edit (Linux) SOLVED

Post by Grumpus »

This started with the last version update 91. and now it seems to be constant in 92.
In folders under /usr/lib/Firefox any user edited json files previously held minor edit changes.
This now appears to be automatically modified with a system cold or warm reboot without opening the program.
It also appears to bypass the permission controls of the system folders at the root level.
I usually do this minor editing to remove search engines, set some language controls, etc.
The system level folder permissions means someone or an embedded program can, at will, monkey around with a system using the backdoor or
automatic regeneration program which is causing this.
I'm hoping this is some misguided security attempt and not some forced use of a search engine, etc.
Ant thoughts welcome but please stick to the issue, this is not good as it is dictatorial.

Linux Mint 20.2 Mate.
Last edited by Grumpus on September 14th, 2021, 5:32 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Grumpus
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Re: Firefox files returned to default after edit (Linux)

Post by Grumpus »

Update: Tested this after overnight shut down permissions and files edited and double checked.
Modification of permissions for individual files and folders did nothing to change the unwanted re-write.
What ever this is it ignores system permissions completely.
Example: File and folder permissions have three setting levels for Owner, Group and others.
Using the main Firefox folder as an example (/usr/lib/Firefox) and setting Others to None (no access) kills Firefox.
The question is what Others need access.
Setting everything to read only is by-passed by what ever this process is.
In order for the Firefox to function as desired the settings have to be changed after boot at root level.
Opening Firefox does not change the setting so guessing there is something involved with session restore but haven't found it, yet.
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therube
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Re: Firefox files returned to default after edit (Linux)

Post by therube »

Explain if you would?
/usr/lib/Firefox
Is that the FF installation directory?
user edited json files
Are these existing .json files (or .js ?), or are they user created & edited?
As it is, within the FF install directory (Windows), I'm only seeing manifest.json (& channel-prefs.js).
Fire 750, bring back 250.
Mozilla/5.0 (Windows; U; Windows NT 6.1; en-US; rv:1.9.1.19) Gecko/20110420 SeaMonkey/2.0.14 Pinball CopyURL+ FetchTextURL FlashGot NoScript
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Grumpus
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Re: Firefox files returned to default after edit (Linux)

Post by Grumpus »

Using Linux Mint 19.3, 20.1, or 20.2; Firefox 92 (latest update from the Mint repository)
The files in question which exist when Firefox is installed or update.
These are existing json files (JavaScript) and editable at root level
Prior to FF92 these files held the edit.
Example: /usr/lib/firefox/distribution/distribution.ini - file lists search engines.
Edits consisted of removal of some listed search engines, addition of a search engine and
a change as to what is used for the key word search engine in the navigation panel
Edit also so no keyword search engine prescribed line commented out along with 3rd listed search engine line disabled.
First search engine also set. This edit also supported any changes in about.config
As there is no Windows OS on this system I couldn't tell you where the rest of the files are on Windows.
At this point it appears to be Mozilla or the Third party editor deployed a reset to default.
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therube
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Re: Firefox files returned to default after edit (Linux)

Post by therube »

> json files (JavaScript)

.json are not JavaScript. Formatted text files, if you will.

> distribution.ini - file lists search engines. Edits consisted of removal of some listed search engines

But that's an .ini, not a .json?
And search engines are in search.json.mozlz4 (that you seemingly now need an extension in order to mess with).


Are you (still) able to edit distribution.ini directly (?), or do you need do use Policies?

Code: Select all

      <presentation id="SearchEngines_Default">
        <textBox refId="SearchEngines_Default">
          <label/>
        </textBox>
      </presentation>
      <presentation id="SearchEngines_Remove">
        <listBox refId="SearchEngines_Remove"/>
      </presentation>
Policy templates for Firefox 92 and Firefox ESR 91.1
Fire 750, bring back 250.
Mozilla/5.0 (Windows; U; Windows NT 6.1; en-US; rv:1.9.1.19) Gecko/20110420 SeaMonkey/2.0.14 Pinball CopyURL+ FetchTextURL FlashGot NoScript
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dickvl
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Re: Firefox files returned to default after edit (Linux)

Post by dickvl »

Since you use Firefox from the Ubuntu repositories, it is likely that Ubuntu software management is responsible for changes made to Firefox.
You would have to switch to Firefox from the Mozilla server to have more control.
https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/a ... op-release
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Grumpus
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Re: FF files return to default after edit (Linux) SOLVED

Post by Grumpus »

@dickvl & therube - No need for any special script or changes to other servers.
Performing a search for .ini files led to the culprit. /usr/share/ubuntu-system-adjustment/Firefox
Edit of the Ubuntu system distribution.ini file to the former (my edit) for the file in /usr/lib/firefox/distribution creates the stability.
There have been a number of updates to Ubuntu system adjustment files and it may have occurred there or the Mint caretaker missed it :-k
Also monkeyed around with extension modification (.ini to .js) for the stout of heart
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