How do I execute a page-defined JavaScript function from a Firefox extension?

Question

Hi, I'm creating a Firefox extension for demo purposes. I to call a specific JavaScript function in the document from the extension. I wrote this in my HTML document (not inside extension, but a page that is loaded by Firefox):

document.funcToBeCalled = function() {
   // function body
};

Then, the extension will run this on some event:

var document = Application.activeWindow.activeTab.document;
document.funcToBeCalled();

However it raises an error saying that funcToBeCalled is not defined.

Note: I could get an element on the document by calling document.getElementById(id);

Answer 1

You can do it, but you need to have control over the page and be able to raise the privilege level for the script. Mozilla Documentation gives an example - search for "Privilege" on the page.

Answer 2

It is for security reasons that you have limited access to the content page from extension. See XPCNativeWrapper and Safely accessing content DOM from chrome,

If you control the page, the best way to do this is set up an event listener in the page and dispatch an event from your extension (addEventListener in the page, dispatchEvent in the extension).

Otherwise, see http://groups.google.com/group/mozilla.dev.extensions/msg/bdf1de5fb305d365

Answer 3

document.wrappedJSObject.funcToBeCalled();

This is not secure and allows a malicious page to elevate its permissions to those of your extension... But, it does do what you asked. Read up on the early greasemonkey vulnerabilities for why this is a bad idea.

Answer 4

I have a very simpler way to do it. Suppose you have to call xyz() function which is written on page. and you have to call it from your pluggin.

create a button ("make it invisible. so it wont disturb your page"). on onclick of that button call this xyz() function.

now in pluggin you have a document object for the page. suppose its mainDoc

where you want to call xyz(), just execute this line

mainDoc.getElementById('testbutton').click();

it will call the xyz() function.

good luck :)