CVE-2017-2549 in Safari
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in certain Apple products. iOS before 10.3.2 is affected. Safari before 10.1.1 is affected. tvOS before 10.2.1 is affected. The issue involves the "WebKit" component. It allows remote attackers to conduct Universal XSS (UXSS) attacks via a crafted web site that improperly interacts with frame loading.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2549 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Apple's WebKit rendering engine that affected multiple Apple operating systems and browsers. This vulnerability resides in the core web browsing component that powers Safari and other Apple applications, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited across a wide range of devices and platforms. The flaw specifically impacts iOS versions prior to 10.3.2, Safari versions prior to 10.1.1, and tvOS versions prior to 10.2.1, indicating the vulnerability's widespread reach within Apple's ecosystem.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of frame loading operations within the WebKit component, which creates a universal cross-site scripting condition. This allows remote attackers to craft malicious websites that can bypass standard security mechanisms designed to prevent cross-site scripting attacks. The vulnerability operates at a fundamental level within the browser's rendering engine, where frame loading operations fail to properly sanitize or validate content, creating a pathway for attackers to inject malicious code that executes in the context of the victim's browsing session.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-2549 is severe as it enables what is known as Universal XSS attacks, which can compromise user sessions and potentially lead to full system compromise. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to steal sensitive information such as cookies, session tokens, and personal data without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. The implications extend beyond simple data theft, as the vulnerability can be leveraged to perform actions on behalf of users, including modifying web applications, redirecting users to malicious sites, or even installing malware. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the core browser functionality that users rely on daily, making it a prime target for exploitation in the wild.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which describes cross-site scripting flaws, and demonstrates characteristics that map to ATT&CK technique T1211 which involves exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications. The universal nature of this XSS attack means that it can be effective across different browser contexts and user environments, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where users may be browsing with various Apple devices. Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability immediately, as the window of opportunity for attackers to exploit this flaw is significant given its potential for widespread impact across Apple's user base. The remediation requires updating affected Apple operating systems to versions that include patched WebKit components, ensuring that all devices within the organization are protected against this specific Universal XSS attack vector.