CVE-2017-20041 in UC Browser
Summary
by MITRE • 06/13/2022
A vulnerability was found in Ucweb UC Browser 11.2.5.932. It has been classified as critical. Affected is an unknown function of the component HTML Handler. The manipulation of the argument title leads to improper restriction of rendered ui layers (URL). It is possible to launch the attack remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2022
This vulnerability in Ucweb UC Browser version 11.2.5.932 represents a critical security flaw that demonstrates improper restriction of rendered user interface layers through URL manipulation. The issue specifically affects the HTML Handler component where the title argument becomes a vector for malicious exploitation. The vulnerability falls under the category of improper restriction of rendered UI layers, which is a known weakness that can lead to significant security implications. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability corresponds to CWE-79 which deals with Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) and related UI layer manipulation issues. The attack can be launched remotely, making it particularly dangerous as it does not require physical access to the target system.
The technical flaw exploits the HTML Handler's processing of the title argument to manipulate how user interface layers are rendered within the browser environment. When an attacker crafts a malicious URL with a specially manipulated title parameter, the browser's HTML rendering engine fails to properly sanitize or validate this input before displaying it to the user. This allows for the execution of unauthorized UI layer modifications that can potentially lead to various security consequences including phishing attacks, malicious content injection, or even more sophisticated exploitation techniques. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can deliver malicious payloads through web links, making it particularly dangerous in web browsing environments where users frequently encounter untrusted content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple UI manipulation as it creates potential entry points for more serious attacks within the browser's security model. When UI layers are improperly restricted, attackers can potentially manipulate the browser's rendering environment to display misleading information or execute unauthorized code within the browser context. This type of vulnerability can be leveraged for social engineering attacks where users are tricked into interacting with maliciously rendered content. The fact that the exploit has been disclosed to the public increases the risk significantly, as it provides attackers with documented techniques to target vulnerable systems. This vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.006 which involves the use of web shells and browser-based attack vectors.
Organizations and users should immediately consider mitigating this vulnerability through browser updates, as the critical classification indicates a high risk of exploitation. The recommended approach includes implementing network-level protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious title parameter manipulation attempts. Additionally, user education regarding the dangers of clicking untrusted links and the importance of keeping browser software updated remains crucial. Security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts through network traffic analysis and implement proper input validation measures that can prevent the title argument from being processed without adequate sanitization. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments of browser components and the need for robust input validation mechanisms in HTML rendering engines to prevent similar issues from occurring in other browser implementations.