CVE-2016-7831 in Sleipnir
Summary
by MITRE
Sleipnir 4 Black Edition for Mac 4.5.3 and earlier and Sleipnir 4 for Mac 4.5.3 and earlier (Mac App Store) may allow a remote attacker to spoof the URL display via a specially crafted webpage.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/15/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-7831 affects Sleipnir web browsers for macOS, specifically versions 4.5.3 and earlier across both the Black Edition and Mac App Store variants. This security flaw represents a significant concern for user trust and browser integrity, as it enables malicious actors to manipulate the visual representation of web addresses displayed to users. The issue stems from improper handling of URL display mechanisms within the browser's user interface, creating opportunities for deception that could lead users to believe they are visiting legitimate websites when actually interacting with malicious content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the browser's failure to properly validate and display Uniform Resource Locator information during page rendering processes. When users navigate to specially crafted webpages, the browser may display a misleading URL in its address bar or navigation elements, while the actual content being rendered remains controlled by the attacker. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of UI redressing or URL spoofing attacks, where the attacker manipulates the user interface to deceive visitors about the true destination of their web navigation. The flaw exists at the application layer where the browser's rendering engine fails to maintain proper separation between the actual web content and the visual representation of the URL.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple deception, potentially enabling sophisticated phishing attacks and credential theft operations. Users who rely on visual URL verification to assess website legitimacy may be tricked into entering sensitive information on fraudulent sites that appear to be legitimate. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability by creating malicious websites that display convincing fake URLs, making it particularly dangerous for users who depend on visual cues for security assessment. The vulnerability is especially concerning in enterprise environments where users may not be sufficiently trained to recognize subtle URL manipulation techniques, potentially leading to successful social engineering campaigns.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with common attack patterns documented in the attack framework, particularly those involving user interface manipulation and phishing techniques. The issue demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws in browser components can create significant security risks when combined with social engineering tactics. Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through browser updates and consider implementing additional security measures such as URL filtering solutions and user education programs. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in user interface development, as outlined in various security standards including those referenced in the CWE database. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of affected browser versions, implementation of additional verification mechanisms, and enhanced user awareness training to recognize potential URL spoofing attempts.