CVE-2011-3844 in Safari
Summary
by MITRE
Apple Safari 5.0.5 does not properly implement the setInterval function, which allows remote attackers to spoof the address bar via a crafted web page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3844 represents a critical security flaw in Apple Safari version 5.0.5 that stems from improper implementation of the javascript setInterval function. This flaw enables remote attackers to exploit the browser's address bar spoofing mechanism through carefully crafted web pages that manipulate timing functions to deceive users about the actual origin of web content. The issue specifically manifests when the setInterval function fails to properly handle asynchronous execution contexts, creating opportunities for malicious actors to display misleading URL information in the browser's address bar while users navigate to legitimate websites.
The technical implementation flaw resides in Safari's javascript engine where the setInterval function does not adequately maintain proper execution context boundaries when handling timed events. This improper implementation allows attackers to manipulate the browser's rendering of address bar information by exploiting timing discrepancies in how javascript events are processed and displayed. The vulnerability specifically affects the browser's ability to properly distinguish between legitimate navigation events and manipulated display states, creating a condition where users cannot reliably verify the authenticity of web addresses they are visiting. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-119 category of "Improper Access to Memory" and represents a significant bypass of the browser's security model that relies on address bar trust for user authentication.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple phishing attacks to encompass broader security implications for user trust and browser security assumptions. When users encounter spoofed address bars, they may unknowingly provide sensitive information to malicious websites that appear to be legitimate. The vulnerability particularly affects users who rely on address bar verification for website authentication, potentially leading to credential theft, financial fraud, and data exfiltration. Attackers can leverage this flaw to create convincing fake login pages, banking interfaces, or corporate portals that appear legitimate to users who are unaware of the deception. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.001 for application layer protocol usage and T1566 for credential harvesting through social engineering.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3844 require immediate browser updates to patched versions that properly implement the setInterval function with correct context handling. Users should ensure their Safari installations are updated to version 5.1 or later, which includes fixes for this specific javascript timing vulnerability. Organizations should implement browser security policies that enforce automatic updates and consider deploying additional security layers such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to detect and block suspicious address bar manipulation attempts. Security teams should also conduct user awareness training to educate personnel about the importance of verifying website authenticity through methods beyond address bar inspection, including certificate verification and URL structure analysis. Network administrators should monitor for suspicious web traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts and implement proper incident response procedures to handle potential compromise scenarios. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper javascript engine implementation and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of browser components that handle user trust mechanisms.