CVE-2017-7085 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in certain Apple products. iOS before 11 is affected. Safari before 11 is affected. The issue involves the "Safari" component. It allows remote attackers to spoof the address bar.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7085 represents a critical security flaw in Apple's Safari web browser implementation that affects iOS versions prior to 11 and Safari versions before 11. This issue resides within the Safari component of Apple's operating systems and specifically targets the browser's address bar functionality, which serves as a fundamental security mechanism for users to verify website authenticity and navigate securely online. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-693, which addresses protection mechanism failures in web browsers, particularly concerning user interface elements designed to prevent phishing attacks and maintain trust in web navigation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables remote attackers to manipulate the address bar display in Safari browsers, creating a deceptive user interface that can misleadingly present a false URL or domain name. This spoofing capability allows malicious actors to craft web pages that appear to display legitimate websites while actually executing attacks on user interactions. The flaw essentially undermines the browser's ability to properly authenticate and display website origins, creating a significant attack surface for phishing operations and credential theft. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to present fake login pages or malicious content that appears to originate from trusted domains, exploiting users' trust in the browser's address bar as a security indicator.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-7085 extends beyond simple phishing attacks to encompass broader security implications for mobile web browsing environments. Users operating affected iOS versions face elevated risks when navigating to potentially malicious websites, as the browser's visual security cues become unreliable indicators of website legitimacy. This vulnerability particularly affects users who rely on Safari for sensitive activities such as online banking, email access, or corporate portal navigation where address bar verification is crucial for security. The attack vector typically involves malicious websites that employ sophisticated techniques to manipulate browser rendering and display mechanisms, potentially bypassing traditional security measures like SSL certificate validation and URL display checks that users expect to function reliably.
Organizations and individuals should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to iOS 11 or later versions and Safari 11 or later, which contain patches addressing this specific vulnerability. The remediation process aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage, as attackers may attempt to exploit this vulnerability through malicious scripts or web content. Additional protective measures include enabling browser security features such as phishing protection, maintaining updated security software, and conducting user awareness training about the importance of verifying website authenticity through multiple means beyond address bar verification. Network administrators should consider implementing additional monitoring for suspicious web traffic patterns and potentially blocking access to known malicious domains that might exploit this vulnerability. The vulnerability's resolution demonstrates Apple's commitment to addressing browser security mechanisms, with the patch ensuring proper address bar rendering and preventing unauthorized manipulation of user interface elements that are fundamental to web browser security.