A Privacy-Focused Analysis

Using KeePassXC for cross-browser password management in a privacy-focused setup (Hardened Firefox, Mullvad Browser, Tor Browser) offers significant security advantages but introduces usability challenges. Below is a comprehensive critique and review.

1. Advantages of KeePassXC

A. Security & Privacy

• Offline Storage: Passwords are stored in an encrypted local database, eliminating risks associated with cloud-based solutions (e.g., breaches or third-party subpoenas).
• Open Source: Auditable, transparent code reduces reliance on trust compared to proprietary managers like LastPass.
• No Telemetry: KeePassXC does not track usage or send data to third parties, ensuring maximum privacy.

B. Cross-Browser Compatibility

• Browser Extensions: The official KeePassXC-Browser extension integrates seamlessly with Firefox, Chrome, and their derivatives (including Mullvad Browser).
• Manual Integration for Tor Browser: Passwords can be manually copied and pasted from KeePassXC, avoiding the need for browser extensions and preserving Tor’s anonymity model.

C. Customization Features

• Autotype: Enables users to autofill credentials using keyboard shortcuts, reducing clipboard exposure.
• TOTP Support: Built-in support for two-factor authentication (2FA) codes eliminates the need for a separate 2FA app like Google Authenticator.

2. Challenges & Critiques

A. Usability Friction

• Manual Syncing: KeePassXC databases must be manually updated and synced across devices, relying on methods like encrypted USB drives or self-hosted solutions such as Syncthing.
• No Built-In Syncing: Unlike cloud-based managers (e.g., Bitwarden or 1Password), KeePassXC does not offer built-in database synchronization, requiring more effort to ensure consistency.
• Extension Conflicts:
  • Hardened Firefox: Privacy-focused settings (e.g., privacy.resistFingerprinting, dom.security.https_only_mode) may block the KeePassXC-Browser extension.
  • Mullvad Browser: Anti-fingerprinting measures can interfere with extension communication.

B. Tor Browser Limitations

• No Extensions: Tor Browser disables most extensions, including KeePassXC-Browser, to maintain anonymity. Installing extensions weakens Tor’s threat model.
• Copy/Paste Workflow: Users must manually copy credentials from KeePassXC to the Tor Browser, increasing the risk of clipboard monitoring by malware.

C. Security Risks

• Database Vulnerability: If the KeePassXC database is not properly secured (e.g., with a weak master password or unencrypted backups), all stored credentials are at risk.
• No Emergency Access: Unlike cloud managers, KeePassXC does not provide account recovery mechanisms if the master password is lost.

3. Tor Browser-Specific Workarounds

• Avoid Extensions: Do not install the KeePassXC-Browser extension in Tor Browser. Use manual entry or autotype instead.
• Keyboard Autotype: Configure KeePassXC to autofill credentials via shortcuts, avoiding clipboard use.
• Isolated Usage: Store Tor-specific credentials in a separate KeePassXC database to reduce the risk of cross-browser contamination.

4. Comparison to Alternatives

5. Recommendations for a Privacy-Focused Setup

A. For Hardened Firefox & Mullvad Browser

• KeePassXC-Browser Extension:
  • Adjust about:config settings to whitelist the extension (temporarily disable privacy.resistFingerprinting if necessary).
  • Use a strong master password in combination with a keyfile (stored offline).
• Database Management:
  • Sync databases using self-hosted services like Nextcloud or encrypted portable drives.
  • Enable the “Auto-Save after Every Change” option in KeePassXC to prevent data loss.

B. For Tor Browser

• Avoid Browser Extensions: Stick to manual entry or autotype workflows for Tor Browser.
• Isolate Credentials: Create a dedicated KeePassXC database for Tor activities, separate from other browsers.
• Clipboard Hygiene: Configure KeePassXC to clear clipboard contents automatically after 10–20 seconds to reduce malware exposure.

C. General Best Practices

• Database Backup: Keep encrypted backups in multiple secure locations (e.g., offline storage or encrypted cloud vaults).
• Enable TOTP: Use KeePassXC’s built-in 2FA for critical accounts such as email or VPNs.
• Strong Master Passwords: Always use a complex master password and consider adding a keyfile for an extra layer of security.

6. Final Verdict

• KeePassXC is an excellent choice for privacy-focused users who are willing to tolerate manual workflows in exchange for offline security. It excels in setups with Hardened Firefox or Mullvad Browser.
• Tor Browser compatibility is inherently limited due to security concerns, but KeePassXC remains usable with disciplined practices like manual entry or keyboard shortcuts.
• Alternatives like Bitwarden provide easier synchronization but introduce dependency on third-party servers.

Conclusion

KeePassXC is a robust password manager for privacy-conscious users. For your specific use case:

• ? Leverage KeePassXC with Hardened Firefox and Mullvad Browser for seamless integration using browser extensions.
• ?? Use KeePassXC cautiously with Tor Browser, avoiding extensions and relying on manual workflows.
• ? Consider a hybrid approach by pairing KeePassXC for sensitive credentials with a limited cloud-based manager (e.g., Bitwarden or Proton Pass) for less critical accounts.