CVE-2012-0674 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
Safari in Apple iOS before 5.1.1 allows remote attackers to spoof the location bar s URL via a crafted web site.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0674 represents a significant security flaw in Apple iOS Safari browser versions prior to 5.1.1, specifically targeting the browser's user interface integrity and trust model. This issue falls under the category of user interface spoofing attacks that exploit the browser's handling of location bar display elements, creating a deceptive environment where users cannot accurately verify the authenticity of web addresses they are visiting. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within Safari's rendering engine that govern how URL information is displayed in the location bar, allowing malicious actors to manipulate this critical security indicator.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the exploitation of how Safari processes and displays URL information in its location bar component. Attackers can craft malicious websites that manipulate the browser's display logic to show misleading URL information, effectively creating a false sense of security for users who rely on visual verification of web addresses. This flaw specifically affects the visual presentation layer of the browser rather than core network protocols or cryptographic functions, making it particularly insidious as it operates at the user interface level where trust is established. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200, which addresses information exposure, and more specifically relates to CWE-693, which covers protection mechanism weaknesses in user interface elements.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple deception to potentially enable more sophisticated attack vectors including phishing, credential theft, and man-in-the-middle scenarios. When users cannot trust the location bar information, they become vulnerable to attacks where malicious websites can appear to be legitimate entities, such as banks or social media platforms, leading to unauthorized data disclosure and financial loss. The attack surface is particularly concerning given Safari's widespread use on iOS devices, which are commonly used for accessing sensitive personal and financial information. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and user trust in browser security mechanisms, as it undermines the fundamental expectation that the location bar provides accurate information about the current web page.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-0674 primarily involve updating to Apple iOS 5.1.1 or later versions where the vulnerability has been patched through enhanced validation of URL display elements in the browser's location bar. Security administrators should implement comprehensive mobile device management policies that enforce automatic security updates and regularly audit device configurations to ensure all iOS devices maintain current security patches. Additional protective measures include user education about verifying URL information through multiple methods, implementing browser security extensions that provide additional verification layers, and establishing network monitoring systems that can detect anomalous behavior associated with spoofing attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving social engineering and credential access, specifically T1566 for spearphishing with attachments and T1110 for credential access through various methods, highlighting the need for layered security approaches that address both technical and human factors in cybersecurity defense.