CVE-2021-25419 in Internet
Summary
by MITRE • 06/11/2021
Non-compliance of recommended secure coding scheme in Samsung Internet prior to version 14.0.1.62 allows attackers to display fake URL in address bar via phising URL link.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-25419 represents a critical security flaw in Samsung Internet browser versions prior to 14.0.1.62 where the application fails to properly implement recommended secure coding practices. This non-compliance creates a significant risk that enables attackers to exploit the browser's address bar display mechanism to present misleading URL information, effectively bypassing user trust mechanisms that should protect against phishing attacks. The issue stems from inadequate validation and rendering of web addresses within the browser's user interface, creating an environment where malicious actors can deceive users into believing they are visiting legitimate websites when in fact they are interacting with fraudulent content.
The technical flaw manifests through the browser's insufficient handling of URL display protocols, particularly when processing certain character sequences or encoding methods that allow attackers to manipulate how URLs appear in the address bar. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the browser's user interface rendering components responsible for displaying web addresses to users. Attackers can craft malicious URLs that, when clicked, will display a fake domain name or path in the address bar while actually directing users to a different, potentially malicious destination. The flaw essentially creates a false sense of security by presenting deceptive visual indicators that contradict the actual website being accessed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple phishing attacks to encompass a broader range of social engineering threats that can compromise user trust and potentially lead to credential theft, financial fraud, or data exfiltration. Users who rely on Samsung Internet for their browsing activities become vulnerable to sophisticated attacks where the deception is particularly effective due to the browser's failure to properly validate URL display information. This creates a dangerous environment where users cannot trust the address bar as a reliable indicator of website authenticity, undermining fundamental security assumptions that modern web browsers should maintain. The vulnerability is particularly concerning given that it affects a widely used browser application, potentially exposing millions of users to targeted phishing campaigns.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability require immediate patching of Samsung Internet to version 14.0.1.62 or later, which implements proper URL validation and display mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing additional browser security measures such as enhanced URL filtering, user education about phishing indicators, and monitoring for suspicious URL patterns. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-601 and CWE-1021 categories related to URL redirection and input validation issues, while also mapping to ATT&CK techniques involving social engineering and credential access through deceptive web interfaces. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that URL display validation works correctly across various encoding methods and character combinations that attackers might utilize in phishing campaigns.