Firefox should go all the way on this. Exploit bugs, modify binaries, whatever it takes. With user consent of course. If the user says they want Firefox to be their default browser, Firefox is justified in modifying the operating system to achieve that. Ultimately Microsoft is powerless to stop this except by using their antivirus to block installation of Firefox in the first place, and I'd like to see them try that because the blowback would be epic.
Microsoft already warns you that Firefox might be malware and that edge is more secure sometimes. It’s only one step away from a full ban. Decades ago, they got the monopoly treatment for this stuff
It’s a very different world today than when Microsoft went through antitrust proceedings for IE6. Regulatory authorities worldwide are getting more toothless by the day. Heck Apple doesn’t even let you use alternate browsers or install your own apps and they are celebrated for it. On what basis would there be action against Microsoft now?
> Apple doesn’t even let you use alternate browsers
Are you sure that's true? When I was using my MacBook a year ago, I used Chrome with no problems. Set as default and never had to look at Safari again.
One of the points I've made against Microsoft doing this is not even control freak Apple goes this far.
Maybe but if they can go to court and say that Firefox is malware because it’s intentionally breaking OS security features they’ll probably get away with it.
It's sad to see them slipping back to such tactics, as they've made strides in changing their image in the last decade or so. I have to wonder if there was one particular good idea fairy there, and it pained the devs to have to code this "feature" in.
Blacklist all binaries in SmartScreen and Windows Defender, distribute a Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool that deletes it through Windows Update, revoke any Windows or Visual Studio licenses belonging to Mozilla Corp, they have a lot of options actually. But if they tried any of that, there would be consequences.
This. Just like in the ol' good days, install an API hook (e.g. with Microsoft Detours[1]) that would patch relevant functions in-memory. Microsoft cannot block this because they'll be breaking lots of existing things (automation tools, gaming overlays, AV software even).
And if MS would want to play it rough and start blocking hook DLLs with permission barriers, make this API patcher a kernel module.
I mean, people already install what are basically kernel level rootkits so they are able to play competitive multiplayer games. It is no stretch from what is accepted for Firefox to dig into the OS and stand its ground
