CVE-2018-4279 in Safari
Summary
by MITRE
An inconsistent user interface issue was addressed with improved state management. This issue affected versions prior to Safari 11.1.2.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/01/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-4279 represents a user interface inconsistency flaw that existed in Apple Safari browser versions prior to 11.1.2. This issue falls under the broader category of inconsistent state management within graphical user interfaces, which can create security implications when user interactions do not properly reflect the actual system state. The vulnerability stems from inadequate synchronization between the visual representation of interface elements and their underlying functional states, creating potential confusion for both legitimate users and malicious actors who might exploit this inconsistency for deceptive purposes.
This particular flaw demonstrates how user interface design can introduce security risks when state management mechanisms fail to maintain consistency across different interface components. The issue specifically affected Safari's handling of interface elements where the visual state did not accurately represent the actual operational state of the browser components. Such inconsistencies can manifest when interface elements appear to be in one state while the underlying system maintains another, potentially leading to user confusion and security exploitation opportunities. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-691, which addresses insufficient control of a resource through a well-known interface, highlighting the fundamental problem of inconsistent state representation in user-facing components.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-4279 extends beyond simple user experience degradation to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks. When interface elements do not accurately reflect system state, attackers can exploit this inconsistency to manipulate user expectations and potentially bypass security controls. The vulnerability could allow for phishing attacks where interface elements appear to be functioning normally while actually presenting malicious content or redirecting users to compromised sites. This type of inconsistency can be particularly dangerous in browser environments where users interact with multiple security-sensitive components simultaneously. The issue demonstrates how seemingly minor interface inconsistencies can have significant security implications, particularly in web browsers where users trust visual feedback to guide their interactions.
Apple addressed this vulnerability through improved state management mechanisms within Safari 11.1.2, ensuring that user interface elements properly reflect their actual operational states. The fix involved implementing more robust synchronization between visual representations and underlying system states, preventing scenarios where interface elements could mislead users about their actual functionality. Organizations should ensure all Safari installations are updated to version 11.1.2 or later to mitigate this vulnerability, as the inconsistency could be exploited in targeted attacks. The remediation aligns with best practices for secure user interface design and reflects the importance of maintaining consistent state representation in security-sensitive applications. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical relationship between user interface design and security implementation, where visual feedback must accurately represent underlying system behavior to prevent exploitation opportunities.