Vulnerability identifier: #VU14684

Vulnerability risk: Critical

CVSSv3.1: 9 [CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:H/RL:U/RC:C]

CVE-ID: N/A

CWE-ID: CWE-451

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
Apple Safari
Client/Desktop applications / Web browsers

Vendor: Apple Inc.

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to conduct spoofing attack.

The weakness exists due to the way macOS processes URI handlers with enabled "Open Safe Files" setting in Safari browser. A remote attacker can create a specially crafted web page, trick the victim into clicking on a spoof dialog box and force unauthorized downloading of malicious file (e.g. ZIP-archive). Once downloaded, the archive will be automatically extracted.

Successful exploitation of the vulnerability may allow an attacker to compromise vulnerable system.

Note: the vulnerability is being exploited in the wild by the WindShift APT actor against government organizations in the Middle East.

Mitigation
Cybersecurity Help is currently unaware of any solutions addressing the vulnerability.
As a workaround, users can disable "Open Safe Files" setting.

Vulnerable software versions

Apple Safari: 11.1.2

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External links
http://objective-see.com/blog/blog_0x38.html
http://gsec.hitb.org/materials/sg2018/D1%20COMMSEC%20-%20In%20the%20Trails%20of%20WINDSHIFT%20APT%2...

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

Yes. This vulnerability is being exploited in the wild.