CVE-2017-5452 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE
Malicious sites can display a spoofed addressbar on a page when the existing location bar on the new page is scrolled out of view if an HTML editable page element is user selected. Note: This attack only affects Firefox for Android. Other operating systems are not affected. This vulnerability affects Firefox < 53.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/26/2024
This vulnerability represents a sophisticated browser-based attack that exploits the user interface rendering behavior of Firefox for Android, specifically targeting the location bar spoofing mechanism. The flaw occurs when a malicious website manipulates the display of the address bar by utilizing an HTML editable page element that has been user-selected, creating a deceptive user experience that can mislead users about the actual website they are visiting. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages the browser's scroll behavior to hide the legitimate address bar while simultaneously displaying a fraudulent one, effectively enabling phishing attacks that can bypass traditional security measures. This issue is classified under the Common Weakness Enumeration category for user interface security flaws, specifically related to address bar spoofing and deceptive UI elements.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability relies on the specific interaction between Firefox for Android's rendering engine and the HTML editable elements within web pages. When a user selects an editable HTML element on a page, the browser's internal state management can be manipulated to cause the address bar to scroll out of view while a maliciously crafted overlay appears to replace it. This behavior occurs because Firefox for Android does not properly validate or secure the address bar display state when editable elements are selected, creating a window of opportunity for attackers to present false location information. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in how the browser handles UI state transitions during user interactions, particularly involving editable content areas that can influence viewport behavior.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple phishing attempts to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks including credential theft, financial fraud, and data exfiltration. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to create convincing fake login pages or fraudulent banking interfaces that appear legitimate to users who may not notice the address bar has been replaced. The fact that this affects only Firefox for Android makes it particularly dangerous for mobile users who may not be aware of the browser-specific nature of the vulnerability, potentially leading to broader user confusion and security risks. This issue directly relates to the attack pattern described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1531 technique for "Account Access Removal" and T1071.004 for "Application Layer Protocol: DNS" when used in conjunction with other mobile attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate browser updates to version 53 or later where the issue has been patched, as well as user education about the importance of verifying URL addresses even when the address bar appears legitimate. Organizations should implement mobile security policies that include regular browser updates and user awareness training specifically addressing mobile browser security. The fix implemented by Mozilla addresses the core issue by modifying how the browser handles address bar display state during user interactions with editable elements, ensuring that the legitimate location information remains visible and cannot be easily spoofed. Additional defensive measures include implementing network-level monitoring to detect suspicious address bar behavior and deploying mobile device management solutions that can enforce browser security policies and automatic update mechanisms. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of mobile browser security and the need for continuous vigilance in protecting users from increasingly sophisticated attack vectors that exploit browser implementation details.