CVE-2017-2500 in Safari
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in certain Apple products. Safari before 10.1.1 is affected. The issue involves the "Safari" component. It allows remote attackers to spoof the address bar via a crafted web site.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/24/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2500 represents a critical security flaw in Apple Safari web browser versions prior to 10.1.1. This issue falls under the category of user interface spoofing or address bar spoofing, where malicious actors can manipulate the browser interface to deceive users about the true origin of web content. The vulnerability specifically affects the Safari component of Apple's ecosystem, making it particularly concerning for users who rely on Apple devices for web browsing activities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the browser's rendering engine to create deceptive visual elements that can mimic legitimate website interfaces. Attackers can craft malicious websites that display false address bar information, making it appear as though users are visiting trusted domains when they are actually interacting with fraudulent content. This type of attack leverages the browser's trust model and can be particularly effective because users often rely on address bar information to verify website authenticity. The flaw essentially allows attackers to bypass the browser's security mechanisms that should normally prevent such interface manipulation.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for users who engage in sensitive online activities such as banking, e-commerce, or accessing confidential information. The attack vector typically involves phishing campaigns where users are directed to malicious websites that appear legitimate due to the spoofed address bar. This type of deception can lead to credential theft, financial fraud, and unauthorized access to sensitive accounts. The impact extends beyond individual users to potentially affect enterprise security, as employees may unknowingly compromise corporate networks through such attacks. The vulnerability's persistence in versions prior to Safari 10.1.1 indicates that Apple had not adequately addressed this specific issue in their security updates, leaving users exposed for an extended period.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2017-2500 requires immediate patching of affected Safari versions to 10.1.1 or later, which includes implementing proper address bar validation and preventing unauthorized interface modifications. Users should also employ additional security measures such as browser extensions that enhance security awareness, enable security features like strict site isolation, and maintain awareness of phishing indicators. Organizations should consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect and block suspicious web traffic patterns associated with spoofing attacks. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-611 (Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference) and relates to ATT&CK technique T1056.001 (Input Prompting) as it exploits user trust in browser interface elements. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of browser security features and user education about recognizing spoofed websites to prevent successful exploitation of this vulnerability.