CVE-2017-2517 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in certain Apple products. iOS before 10.3.3 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 • 01/04/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2517 represents a critical security flaw in Apple's Safari web browser component affecting iOS versions prior to 10.3.3. This issue falls under the category of user interface spoofing attacks where malicious actors can manipulate the browser's address bar display to deceive users into believing they are visiting a legitimate website when in fact they are interacting with a fraudulent one. The vulnerability specifically targets the visual representation of web addresses in Safari's interface, creating a deceptive environment that can be exploited for phishing attacks and other social engineering schemes.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation and sanitization of web content within Safari's rendering engine, particularly in how the browser handles URL display and address bar updates. Attackers can craft malicious websites that manipulate the visual presentation of the address bar, making it appear as though users are on a trusted domain while actually directing them to malicious content. This flaw operates at the intersection of browser security and user interface design, exploiting the trust users place in visual cues provided by the browser interface. The vulnerability is classified as a user interface deception mechanism that bypasses normal security boundaries, allowing attackers to create convincing but false representations of web addresses.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-2517 extends beyond simple phishing attempts to encompass broader security risks including credential theft, malware distribution, and financial fraud. Users who encounter this vulnerability may unknowingly enter sensitive information on fraudulent websites that appear legitimate due to the spoofed address bar. The attack vector typically involves the delivery of malicious web content through compromised websites or malicious advertisements that leverage the browser's rendering flaws to create convincing but false address bar displays. This vulnerability directly impacts the browser's security model by undermining the fundamental trust relationship between user and browser interface, potentially leading to significant data breaches and financial losses for affected users.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates to iOS 10.3.3 or later versions where Apple has implemented proper address bar validation and rendering controls. Organizations should also implement additional security measures including user education about recognizing spoofed interfaces, deployment of web filtering solutions, and monitoring for suspicious web traffic patterns. The vulnerability aligns with attack patterns documented in the attack tree methodology where user interface deception serves as a critical initial access vector for more sophisticated attacks. Security professionals should also consider implementing browser security extensions and network-level protections to reduce the effectiveness of such spoofing attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and highlights the critical role of browser security in protecting users from sophisticated social engineering attacks that exploit trust in user interface elements.
The technical flaw in CVE-2017-2517 corresponds to CWE-693 - Protection Mechanism Failure, specifically targeting the user interface protection mechanisms that should prevent address bar spoofing. This vulnerability also relates to the broader category of UI redressing attacks that have been documented in various security frameworks including those referenced in NIST SP 800-160 and other cybersecurity standards. The attack methodology follows patterns consistent with the MITRE ATT&CK framework's T1566 - Phishing category, where the initial compromise leverages UI deception to gain user trust. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management programs to address such vulnerabilities promptly, as the window of exposure increases with each passing day without proper remediation. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of browser security and the need for continuous monitoring and updating of security controls in mobile environments.