CVE-2020-7363 in UC Browser
Summary
by MITRE • 10/21/2020
User Interface (UI) Misrepresentation of Critical Information vulnerability in the address bar of UCWeb's UC Browser allows an attacker to obfuscate the true source of data as presented in the browser. This issue affects UCWeb's UC Browser version 13.0.8 and prior versions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2020
The CVE-2020-7363 vulnerability represents a critical user interface misrepresentation flaw in UCWeb's UC Browser that directly undermines user trust and security awareness. This vulnerability specifically targets the address bar functionality, which serves as the primary interface element for users to verify the authenticity and source of web content they are accessing. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate how information is displayed in the browser's address bar, creating a deceptive environment where malicious actors can obscure the true origin of data being presented to users. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of UI deception attacks that exploit user psychology and trust in familiar interface elements to bypass security controls. The issue affects all versions of UC Browser up to and including version 13.0.8, indicating a significant window of exposure across multiple releases.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the browser's rendering and display mechanisms for URL information, allowing attackers to manipulate how domain names, protocols, and other identifying information appear in the address bar. This misrepresentation can involve hiding or altering the displayed domain name, modifying protocol indicators, or obscuring other critical information that users rely upon to make security decisions about their online activities. The flaw essentially creates a false sense of security by presenting misleading information that could cause users to believe they are visiting legitimate websites when they are actually interacting with malicious content. This vulnerability directly impacts the browser's ability to provide accurate security context, which is fundamental to maintaining user awareness of potential threats and maintaining trust in the browsing environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-7363 extends beyond simple deception to create real security risks for users who may unknowingly interact with malicious content. Users may be tricked into entering sensitive information on fraudulent websites, as the address bar's misleading presentation prevents them from accurately identifying the true source of content. This vulnerability particularly affects phishing attacks and man-in-the-middle scenarios where attackers seek to exploit user trust in familiar browser interface elements. The consequences include potential data theft, credential compromise, and other malicious activities that rely on users being misled about the authenticity of websites they believe they are visiting. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the widespread use of UC Browser, particularly in regions where the application has significant market penetration, potentially exposing large user populations to increased risk of targeted attacks.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in relation to established frameworks such as CWE-693, which addresses protection mechanism failures, and ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers social engineering attacks through deceptive UI elements. The vulnerability demonstrates how interface design flaws can create exploitable conditions that bypass traditional security controls and user awareness mechanisms. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to versions of UC Browser that address this vulnerability, deploying additional security layers such as web application firewalls, and conducting user awareness training to help identify deceptive UI patterns. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect unusual traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and security teams should consider implementing browser security policies that enforce stricter validation of address bar information and domain verification mechanisms. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date browser software and the need for continuous security assessment of user interface elements that directly impact security decision-making processes.