- From: innotommy <notifications@github.com>
- Date: Wed, 03 Dec 2025 05:18:42 -0800
- To: w3c/screen-orientation <screen-orientation@noreply.github.com>
- Cc: Subscribed <subscribed@noreply.github.com>
- Message-ID: <w3c/screen-orientation/issues/276@github.com>
innotommy created an issue (w3c/screen-orientation#276) I am opening this issue as a result of the security review: https://github.com/w3c/security-request/issues/101#issuecomment-3573604811 ## Problem The specification defines when orientation events and values (`type`, `angle`) are delivered: > “orientation events are only delivered to documents in windows that are both visible at the system level and have the user’s attention.” However, the spec does **not** distinguish between top-level and embedded / cross-origin contexts. As written, non-sandboxed cross-origin iframes can receive orientation data by default, creating an uncontrolled information-flow channel and exposing a known fingerprinting vector. ## Why This Matters - Third-party frames receive device-orientation data without intent. - Developers have no fine-grained control. - Browser divergence increases entropy and fingerprintability. - Orientation becomes another unnecessary cross-site fingerprinting surface. ## Requested Normative Change ### 1. Add a Permissions Policy feature ```html <iframe allow="screen-orientation"> ``` ### 2. Define normative defaults - Top-level contexts: **enabled by default** - Embedded contexts: **disabled by default**, unless explicitly enabled ### 3. Define UA behavior when disabled When disabled, the UA MUST behave as if the API is unsupported: - `screen.orientation.type` returns a default value - `screen.orientation.angle` returns 0 (or defined default) - No orientation events fire - Lock attempts reject with `NotSupportedError` ## Expected Benefits - Prevents unintended exposure of orientation state to third parties - Aligns with Permissions Policy usage for high‑entropy APIs - Improves privacy and cross‑browser consistency -- Reply to this email directly or view it on GitHub: https://github.com/w3c/screen-orientation/issues/276 You are receiving this because you are subscribed to this thread. Message ID: <w3c/screen-orientation/issues/276@github.com>
Received on Wednesday, 3 December 2025 13:18:46 UTC