CVE-2013-2316 in Yahoo!
Summary
by MITRE
The Yahoo! Browser application 1.4.4 and earlier for Android allows remote attackers to spoof the address bar via vectors related to URL display, a different vulnerability than CVE-2013-2307.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2316 affects the Yahoo! Browser application version 1.4.4 and earlier on Android platforms, representing a significant security flaw in the application's user interface handling mechanisms. This issue specifically targets the address bar functionality, which serves as a critical trust indicator for users when navigating web content. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to manipulate the display of URLs in a manner that can deceive users into believing they are visiting legitimate websites when they are actually interacting with malicious content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation and sanitization of URL display mechanisms within the browser application. Attackers can exploit this weakness through carefully crafted web content that manipulates how URLs appear in the address bar, potentially displaying deceptive information that obscures the true destination of web navigation. This flaw operates differently from CVE-2013-2307, indicating distinct implementation issues within the browser's URL handling code that specifically impact the visual representation rather than other aspects of web navigation security. The vulnerability falls under the category of user interface deception attacks where the attack surface is the browser's visual trust indicators rather than underlying network protocols or code execution mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple deception, as it fundamentally undermines user trust in the browser's security mechanisms and can lead to successful phishing attacks. Users may be tricked into entering sensitive information on fraudulent websites that appear legitimate due to the manipulated address bar display. This vulnerability particularly affects mobile users who rely heavily on visual cues for security assessment, making the attack vector more effective in real-world scenarios. The risk is amplified because the vulnerability exists in a widely used browser application that many users trust for their daily web browsing activities, potentially exposing large user bases to coordinated phishing campaigns.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust URL validation and display mechanisms that prevent manipulation of address bar content. The fix requires comprehensive input sanitization of URL components and ensuring that the displayed address bar information accurately reflects the actual destination of web navigation. Organizations should implement regular security assessments of browser applications and consider adopting defense-in-depth strategies that include multiple layers of verification beyond simple address bar display. This vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining security standards consistent with CWE-601, which addresses URL redirection and open redirect vulnerabilities, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 for credential access through social engineering. Additionally, the remediation should include user education about the importance of verifying website addresses and implementing additional security controls that can detect and prevent such UI manipulation attacks.