CVE-2016-1771 in Safari
Summary
by MITRE
The Downloads feature in Apple Safari before 9.1 mishandles file expansion, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service via a crafted web site.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/10/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1771 represents a critical flaw in Apple Safari's handling of file expansion within its downloads functionality. This issue affects Safari versions prior to 9.1 and stems from improper validation of file attributes during the download process. The flaw specifically manifests when the browser encounters maliciously crafted web content that attempts to exploit the file expansion mechanism, creating a pathway for remote attackers to disrupt normal browser operations.
This vulnerability falls under the category of improper input handling and can be classified as a weakness in the software's ability to process untrusted data safely. The technical implementation flaw occurs within the download subsystem where Safari fails to properly validate or sanitize file expansion parameters before processing them. The vulnerability's nature allows attackers to craft malicious websites that, when visited by a user, trigger unintended behavior in the browser's download manager.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-1771 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it represents a potential vector for more sophisticated attacks within the context of web-based exploitation. When exploited, the vulnerability can cause Safari to crash or become unresponsive, effectively rendering the browser unusable for the affected user. This type of denial of service attack can be particularly problematic in enterprise environments where browser stability is crucial for productivity, and can be leveraged as part of broader attack campaigns targeting macOS users.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of input boundaries, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1210, involving exploitation of remote services through web application vulnerabilities. Security professionals should note that this issue demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in web browsers, particularly in components that handle file system operations. The flaw highlights the need for robust sandboxing mechanisms and input sanitization processes in browser download managers to prevent malicious expansion of file attributes from causing system instability.
Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected Safari versions to mitigate this vulnerability, as the attack surface remains relevant for users who have not updated their browsers. The remediation process should include comprehensive browser updates, along with monitoring for any signs of exploitation attempts. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing web filtering solutions that can detect and block access to known malicious domains associated with exploitation of this vulnerability, while maintaining awareness of the broader threat landscape surrounding browser-based attacks and the importance of keeping all browser components updated to prevent similar issues from arising in the future.