CVE-2015-5764 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
The user interface in Safari in Apple iOS before 9 allows remote attackers to spoof URLs via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-5765 and CVE-2015-5767.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-5764 represents a significant user interface flaw in Apple iOS Safari browsers prior to version 9.0, enabling remote attackers to manipulate URL display mechanisms in ways that could deceive users into believing they are visiting legitimate websites when actually accessing malicious ones. This security weakness specifically targets the browser's address bar and URL rendering functionality, creating a deceptive environment where users cannot reliably verify the authenticity of web addresses they encounter during navigation. The vulnerability operates through unspecified vectors that exploit how Safari processes and displays URL information, potentially allowing attackers to craft deceptive web pages that appear to display legitimate domain names while actually directing users to harmful destinations.
This flaw falls under the broader category of user interface deception attacks that manipulate how information is presented to users, making it particularly dangerous because it directly undermines the fundamental security principle of trust verification. The vulnerability is classified as a UI redressing or URL spoofing attack that can be leveraged to conduct phishing operations, social engineering campaigns, or other malicious activities where attackers seek to exploit user trust in familiar website interfaces. The technical implementation likely involves manipulating browser rendering processes or DOM elements that control URL display, potentially through JavaScript manipulation or other client-side techniques that alter how the browser presents navigation information to users.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-5764 extends beyond simple deception, as it creates opportunities for sophisticated attack chains where users might unknowingly enter sensitive information on fraudulent websites that appear legitimate. This vulnerability particularly affects mobile users who rely on Safari for web browsing, making it a significant concern for enterprise environments where mobile device security is paramount. The attack surface is broad since any web content loaded through Safari could potentially exploit this vulnerability, requiring users to constantly verify website authenticity through additional means beyond the browser's address bar. Security professionals must consider this vulnerability when assessing mobile browser security postures and implementing user education programs about URL verification practices.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve upgrading to iOS version 9.0 or later, where Apple implemented fixes to address the URL display mechanisms. Organizations should also implement additional security controls such as URL filtering solutions, browser security extensions, and user awareness training to reduce the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of comprehensive browser security testing and highlights how seemingly minor UI elements can create significant security risks. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability would likely be classified under various security frameworks including those addressing user interface security controls, and may require specific remediation measures in environments governed by standards such as iso 27001 or nist cybersecurity framework. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place to prevent exploitation of similar UI-based vulnerabilities in other browser platforms.