CVE-2020-7370 in Bolt Browser
Summary
by MITRE • 10/21/2020
User Interface (UI) Misrepresentation of Critical Information vulnerability in the address bar of Danyil Vasilenko's Bolt Browser allows an attacker to obfuscate the true source of data as presented in the browser. This issue affects the Bolt Browser version 1.4 and prior versions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2020
The CVE-2020-7370 vulnerability represents a critical user interface misrepresentation flaw in Danyil Vasilenko's Bolt Browser that directly compromises 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. The issue allows attackers to manipulate how information is displayed to users, creating a deceptive environment where malicious actors can obscure the true origin of data being presented. Such misrepresentation creates a dangerous precedent where users may unknowingly interact with compromised content while believing they are accessing legitimate websites.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation and sanitization of address bar content within the browser's rendering engine. When users navigate to potentially malicious websites or encounter phishing attempts, the browser fails to properly distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent sources, leading to a situation where attackers can craft deceptive URL presentations that appear authentic to end users. This flaw operates at the intersection of user interface design and security controls, where the visual representation of web addresses becomes a vector for deception rather than a security mechanism. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-693, which addresses Protection Mechanism Failure, specifically focusing on the failure of security mechanisms that protect against user deception.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple phishing attacks, as it fundamentally undermines the browser's ability to provide users with accurate information about their online environment. Users who rely on the address bar to verify website authenticity may be misled into trusting malicious domains that appear legitimate, potentially leading to credential theft, financial fraud, or malware installation. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 1.4, meaning users who have not updated their browser remain at significant risk. Attackers can exploit this weakness by creating malicious web pages that manipulate URL display to appear as trusted domains, effectively bypassing user security awareness and traditional phishing detection mechanisms.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the broader ATT&CK framework, particularly under the T1566 category of Phishing and T1071 for Application Layer Protocol usage. The attack vector demonstrates how user interface manipulation can serve as a sophisticated social engineering technique that circumvents traditional technical security controls. Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including mandatory browser updates, user education about URL verification practices, and network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of robust security testing for browser components, particularly those that directly interact with user perception and trust mechanisms. The issue underscores the critical need for comprehensive security controls that address both technical vulnerabilities and human factors in cybersecurity defense strategies.