[Bug 1053985] [NEW] gecko-mediaplayer package should not bundle so many plugins for security reasons

[Nick Rundy]

Public bug reported:

Web browser plugins are a major vector for exploit on the internet. For
security reasons, it is best not to install plugins you don't need. Yet
Ubuntu-packages bundle numerous plugins together. For example, if I use
one single plugin (e.g., Windows Media Player Plug-in), I have to
install the gecko-mediaplayer package. Yet the gecko-mediaplayer package
installs 4 additional plugins in addition to the Windows Media Player
Plug-in. I NEVER use the 4 additional plugins that are installed.
Further, among the 4 additional plugins installed are QuickTime and
RealPlayer. Two plugins that are notoriously exploited on the web.


The gecko-mediaplayer package should not bundle so many plugins together. A separate package should exist for each plugin. Or some other solution should be developed that allows users to only install the plugin they actually use.

Security is a major problem these days and users should not have to
install more plugins than they actually use, especially when the unused
plugins are notorious for security vulnerabilities.

** Affects: ubuntu-meta (Ubuntu)
     Importance: Undecided
         Status: New

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https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/1053985

Title:
  gecko-mediaplayer package should not bundle so many plugins for
  security reasons

Status in “ubuntu-meta” package in Ubuntu:
  New

Bug description:
  Web browser plugins are a major vector for exploit on the internet.
  For security reasons, it is best not to install plugins you don't
  need. Yet Ubuntu-packages bundle numerous plugins together. For
  example, if I use one single plugin (e.g., Windows Media Player Plug-
  in), I have to install the gecko-mediaplayer package. Yet the gecko-
  mediaplayer package installs 4 additional plugins in addition to the
  Windows Media Player Plug-in. I NEVER use the 4 additional plugins
  that are installed. Further, among the 4 additional plugins installed
  are QuickTime and RealPlayer. Two plugins that are notoriously
  exploited on the web.

  
  The gecko-mediaplayer package should not bundle so many plugins together. A separate package should exist for each plugin. Or some other solution should be developed that allows users to only install the plugin they actually use.

  Security is a major problem these days and users should not have to
  install more plugins than they actually use, especially when the
  unused plugins are notorious for security vulnerabilities.

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