CVE-2016-0077 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 through 11 and Microsoft Edge misparse HTTP responses, which allows remote attackers to spoof web sites via a crafted URL, aka "Microsoft Browser Spoofing Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0077 represents a critical browser spoofing weakness affecting Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 9 through 11 and Microsoft Edge browsers. This flaw stems from improper parsing of HTTP responses within the browser's rendering engine, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate how web content is displayed and interpreted by users. The vulnerability specifically targets the browser's handling of certain URL structures and response headers that should normally be processed according to standard web protocols but are instead misinterpreted by the affected browsers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the browser's failure to properly validate and process HTTP response data, particularly when dealing with malformed or unexpected URL formats. When a malicious actor crafts a specific URL structure that exploits this parsing inconsistency, the browser may incorrectly display content from one domain while actually retrieving data from another, effectively creating a spoofing scenario. This misbehavior occurs at the HTTP response parsing layer where the browser's security mechanisms fail to properly distinguish between legitimate and malicious content, leading to potential user deception and security compromise.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for end users who may be tricked into believing they are visiting legitimate websites while actually interacting with malicious content. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it affects multiple versions of Internet Explorer and Edge, representing a broad user base that could be compromised. Users may unknowingly enter credentials or sensitive information on spoofed pages, while attackers can leverage this vulnerability to conduct phishing campaigns, deliver malware, or perform other malicious activities that rely on user trust in the displayed website identity.
The vulnerability maps to CWE-601 as it involves URL redirection and open redirect vulnerabilities where the browser's parsing logic fails to properly validate URL structures. Additionally, this weakness aligns with ATT&CK technique T1056.001 which covers input injection attacks, as the vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious URL structures that are then parsed incorrectly by the browser. The security implications extend beyond simple spoofing to potential credential theft, session hijacking, and other attacks that exploit user trust in browser displays.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches and updates, as well as implementing browser security policies that restrict navigation to potentially malicious sites. Organizations should consider deploying web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to detect and block suspicious URL patterns. Browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary features and implementing strict security zones can reduce the attack surface. Users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of verifying website authenticity through multiple means, including SSL certificate validation and browser security indicators. Regular security assessments and monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns can help detect exploitation attempts of this vulnerability.