aa-update-browser
Update AppArmor profiles for browsers
TLDR
[l]ist available browser abstraction profiles
Show what changes would be made to a profile without applying them ([d]ry-run)
[u]pdate a profile with specific abstractions
Remove all abstractions from a profile
Display help
SYNOPSIS
sudo aa-update-browser
(No arguments required; run as root)
DESCRIPTION
The aa-update-browser command is a Ubuntu-specific utility for managing AppArmor security profiles for web browsers, particularly Firefox and Chromium. AppArmor is a Mandatory Access Control (MAC) system that confines programs to a limited set of resources via profiles.
This command automates the update process by invoking update-browserdata to fetch the latest browser capability data (e.g., supported MIME types, protocols) and then regenerates browser-specific AppArmor profiles using aa-update-profiles. This ensures browsers remain properly confined as their features evolve, preventing potential exploits from accessing unauthorized system areas like files, networks, or devices.
Typically run after browser updates or AppArmor changes, it enhances security in environments like servers or desktops running untrusted web content. It targets profiles in /etc/apparmor.d/ such as usr.bin.firefox. Without updates, profiles may become outdated, reducing confinement effectiveness.
Usage is straightforward and integrates with package post-install scripts for seamless maintenance.
CAVEATS
Requires root privileges via sudo. Ubuntu/Debian-specific; not available on other distributions. Only affects installed browser profiles (e.g., Firefox). Run after browser upgrades for best results.
USAGE EXAMPLE
sudo aa-update-browser
Regenerates and reloads browser AppArmor profiles.
VERIFICATION
After running, check with aa-status | grep firefox to confirm profile status.
HISTORY
Introduced by Canonical in Ubuntu 18.04+ as part of Firefox packaging to handle dynamic browser profile updates amid rapid web tech changes. Evolved with snap transitions but retains deb support.
SEE ALSO
aa-status(8), aa-update-profiles(8), update-browserdata(8), apparmor_parser(8)
