CVE-2017-2511 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-2017-2511 represents a significant security flaw in Apple Safari web browser versions prior to 10.1.1. This issue falls under the category of user interface deception and address bar spoofing, where malicious actors can manipulate the browser's visual interface to mislead users about the actual website they are visiting. The vulnerability specifically affects the Safari component of Apple's operating systems, making it a critical concern for users who rely on this browser for their daily web activities.
The technical nature of this flaw stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within Safari's address bar rendering system. Attackers can craft malicious websites that exploit weaknesses in how the browser displays URL information, creating a false impression that users are navigating to a legitimate domain when they are actually visiting a fraudulent site. This spoofing capability operates by manipulating the browser's visual presentation layer without affecting the underlying security mechanisms, allowing attackers to bypass traditional URL verification methods that users typically rely upon for website authentication.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple phishing attacks, as it undermines fundamental trust in the browser's user interface and can be leveraged for sophisticated social engineering campaigns. Users who are unaware of the spoofing technique may inadvertently enter sensitive information on malicious sites that appear to be legitimate, particularly when the spoofed address bar displays familiar domain names or branding elements. This vulnerability particularly affects online banking, e-commerce, and corporate web applications where users expect to see verified secure connections and authentic domain information in the address bar.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-601 URL Redirector Abuse, where the redirector mechanism is misused to present misleading information to users. The attack vector follows patterns consistent with the ATT&CK framework's T1566.001 technique for Phishing, specifically targeting the user interface component to manipulate user behavior. The vulnerability demonstrates how browser interface elements can be exploited as attack surfaces, highlighting the importance of comprehensive security testing beyond core functionality. Organizations should consider this flaw as part of broader browser security assessments, particularly when implementing security policies that rely on address bar verification for user authentication and website legitimacy confirmation.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2017-2511 requires immediate deployment of Apple's security updates, specifically Safari version 10.1.1 or later, which address the underlying validation issues in the address bar rendering system. System administrators should prioritize patch management for all affected Apple devices within their environments and conduct user awareness training to recognize potential spoofing indicators. Additional defensive measures include implementing browser security extensions, enabling secure browsing protocols, and establishing monitoring systems to detect unusual user behavior patterns that might indicate successful exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network-level controls that can detect and block known malicious domains associated with such spoofing attacks, while maintaining regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other browser components or third-party applications.