CVE-2016-2822 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
Mozilla Firefox before 47.0 and Firefox ESR 45.x before 45.2 allow remote attackers to spoof the address bar via a SELECT element with a persistent menu.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2822 represents a sophisticated user interface spoofing flaw that affected Mozilla Firefox versions prior to 47.0 and Firefox ESR 45.x versions before 45.2. This security issue stems from the browser's handling of HTML SELECT elements, specifically when these elements maintain persistent dropdown menus that can be manipulated to display misleading information. The flaw allows remote attackers to create deceptive interfaces that can trick users into believing they are visiting a different website than the actual one, creating a significant trust relationship breach in the browser's security model.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of HTML SELECT elements to maintain persistent menu states that can be overlaid with deceptive content. When a SELECT element retains its dropdown menu state across page transitions or interactions, attackers can exploit this behavior to display false address bar information or manipulate the visual presentation of the browser interface. This occurs because the browser's rendering engine fails to properly reset or validate the state of these form elements when navigating between pages or when the user interacts with the interface. The vulnerability specifically leverages the persistent nature of certain SELECT menu states to create an illusion of legitimacy that bypasses normal browser security mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple phishing attacks, as it undermines fundamental trust mechanisms that users rely upon when browsing the web. When users see a seemingly legitimate address bar display while actually being presented with malicious content, they may inadvertently share sensitive information or perform actions they would not normally undertake. This vulnerability can be particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently navigate between trusted and untrusted sites, as the persistent menu behavior can be triggered through seemingly benign web interactions. The attack vector requires remote code execution capabilities through web content, making it particularly effective in phishing campaigns and social engineering attacks.
Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-605, which addresses "Multiple Uses of a Single Resource in a Single Transaction," as the SELECT element's persistent state creates a condition where a single interface element can be manipulated to serve multiple malicious purposes. The flaw also relates to ATT&CK technique T1056.001, which covers "Input Injection: Data Injection," as attackers can inject deceptive content through the browser's interface rendering mechanisms. Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including updating to patched versions of Firefox, deploying browser security extensions, and conducting user awareness training to recognize signs of interface manipulation. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper state management in web browsers and the need for comprehensive testing of user interface elements that maintain persistent states across user interactions.