CVE-2017-0207 in Outlook
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Outlook for Mac 2011 allows remote attackers to spoof web content via a crafted email with specific HTML tags, aka "Microsoft Browser Spoofing Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2020
The Microsoft Outlook for Mac 2011 browser spoofing vulnerability represents a significant security flaw that enables remote attackers to manipulate the display of web content within email applications. This vulnerability specifically affects the rendering engine used by Outlook for Mac 2011 when processing HTML content in email messages, creating an environment where malicious actors can craft deceptive email content that appears to originate from trusted sources. The flaw stems from insufficient validation of HTML elements and improper handling of web content within the email client's browser component, allowing attackers to exploit the application's trust model.
This vulnerability operates through the manipulation of specific HTML tags that Outlook for Mac 2011 processes during email rendering. Attackers can craft emails containing carefully constructed HTML elements that trigger the application to display misleading content or redirect users to malicious websites. The technical implementation involves exploiting the way the email client handles certain HTML attributes and tags that control how web content is displayed, potentially bypassing normal security boundaries that would typically prevent such content from being rendered in a potentially dangerous manner. The vulnerability falls under the category of cross-site scripting and content spoofing attacks, where the malicious content appears to come from legitimate sources within the email application's interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple content manipulation to encompass potential phishing attacks and social engineering campaigns. When exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to create convincing fake web pages or forms that appear to be part of the email client or legitimate websites, tricking users into providing sensitive information such as login credentials, personal data, or financial details. Users may be deceived into believing they are interacting with trusted applications or services, as the spoofed content can mimic legitimate interfaces with high fidelity. This creates a significant risk for organizations where employees may inadvertently compromise their systems or expose confidential information through seemingly benign email interactions.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability, starting with immediate application updates and patches provided by Microsoft. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which describes cross-site scripting flaws, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with attack patterns found in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1566 technique for social engineering. Security administrators should consider implementing email filtering solutions that can detect and block suspicious HTML content, while also educating users about the risks of interacting with untrusted email content. Regular security awareness training should emphasize the importance of verifying the authenticity of email content before engaging with any web forms or links, particularly those that appear to require authentication or personal information. Additionally, network-level controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can provide additional protection layers against exploitation attempts.