CVE-2020-17153 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE • 12/10/2020
, aka 'Microsoft Edge for Android Spoofing Vulnerability'.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2025
The CVE-2020-17153 vulnerability represents a cross-site spoofing issue affecting Microsoft Edge for Android browsers, categorized under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as CWE-693 Protection Mechanism Failure. This vulnerability specifically targets the browser's ability to properly validate and display website origins, creating a potential attack vector for malicious actors to deceive users into believing they are visiting legitimate websites when they are actually interacting with spoofed content. The flaw manifests in how the browser handles URL display and origin validation within its user interface, particularly affecting the visual indicators that users rely upon to verify website authenticity. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to manipulate the browser's address bar display or other visual elements that communicate website identity to users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within Microsoft Edge's Android implementation that fail to properly enforce origin checks when rendering web content. The flaw allows attackers to craft malicious web pages that can manipulate how the browser presents website information to users, potentially leading to scenarios where users cannot distinguish between legitimate and malicious websites. This spoofing capability specifically impacts the browser's user interface elements that display domain information, making it easier for attackers to execute phishing attacks or deliver malicious payloads by deceiving users into trusting fraudulent websites. The vulnerability operates at the application layer of the network stack, specifically within the browser's rendering and validation components that handle website origin verification.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-17153 extends beyond simple visual deception, as it can enable more sophisticated attacks including credential theft, malware delivery, and financial fraud. Users who rely on Microsoft Edge for Android for sensitive activities such as online banking, email access, or e-commerce transactions become particularly vulnerable to exploitation. The attack surface is broadened because the vulnerability affects mobile browser users who may be less vigilant about checking URL accuracy compared to desktop users. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1531 for 'Account Access Removal' and T1566 for 'Phishing' as it enables attackers to establish trust relationships with victims through deceptive interface manipulation. The mobile environment presents unique challenges since Android users often interact with browsers in less secure contexts such as public Wi-Fi networks or shared devices.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate application of Microsoft security patches and updates to the Edge for Android browser, which address the underlying validation mechanisms that failed to properly verify website origins. Users should maintain awareness of browser security indicators and regularly update their mobile applications to ensure they have the latest security protections. Organizations deploying mobile device management solutions should enforce automatic update policies for browser applications and consider implementing additional security layers such as content filtering or network monitoring. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and ensure that mobile browser usage policies include awareness training about spoofing attacks. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of implementing multi-factor authentication and security awareness programs to reduce the impact of successful phishing attempts that exploit such interface manipulation flaws.