CVE-2015-5765 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-2015-5764 and CVE-2015-5767.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-5765 represents a significant security flaw in Apple iOS Safari browser versions prior to iOS 9, specifically targeting the user interface components responsible for URL display and validation. This issue enables remote attackers to manipulate the browser's visual representation of web addresses, creating a deceptive environment where users cannot reliably distinguish between legitimate and malicious websites. The flaw operates through unspecified vectors that exploit weaknesses in how Safari renders and validates URL information within its interface, potentially allowing attackers to present fraudulent web addresses that appear authentic to users. Unlike related vulnerabilities CVE-2015-5764 and CVE-2015-5767, this particular weakness focuses specifically on the visual spoofing capabilities within the browser's user experience layer.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves manipulation of the browser's URL display mechanisms, potentially leveraging techniques that alter how domain names and web addresses are presented to users. This type of attack falls under the category of phishing and spoofing attacks, where the attacker's goal is to deceive users into believing they are visiting a trusted website while actually being directed to a malicious alternative. The vulnerability demonstrates a critical weakness in the browser's security model, particularly in the user interface validation processes that should ensure transparency and trustworthiness of web navigation. From a cybersecurity perspective, this represents a failure in the principle of least privilege and user verification, as the browser should provide clear, unambiguous identification of visited websites.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-5765 extends beyond simple deception, potentially enabling sophisticated phishing campaigns that can bypass user security awareness and traditional browser protections. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to create convincing fake login pages, banking interfaces, or other high-value targets by making malicious websites appear legitimate through URL spoofing. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple iOS versions indicates a fundamental flaw in the browser's security architecture that could be leveraged in various attack scenarios including credential theft, financial fraud, and data exfiltration. Organizations relying on iOS devices for business operations would face increased risk of successful social engineering attacks, particularly in environments where mobile device security is not adequately managed or monitored.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected iOS versions to iOS 9 or later, where Apple has implemented enhanced URL validation and display mechanisms. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify devices running affected iOS versions and prioritize their update schedules. Users should be educated about the importance of verifying website authenticity through visual indicators such as SSL certificates and URL structure, even when the browser interface appears trustworthy. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious URL patterns and user behavior that might indicate successful spoofing attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-601 URL Redirector Abuse and represents a clear violation of the ATT&CK framework's initial access techniques, specifically targeting the user execution phase through deceptive interface manipulation. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as network-based URL filtering and browser security extensions to provide defense-in-depth against similar spoofing attacks.