CVE-2017-5383 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2017-5383, a vulnerability in Thunderbird, Firefox ESR, and Firefox versions that allows attackers to spoof domain names in the location bar. Find out how to mitigate this security risk.
A vulnerability in Thunderbird, Firefox ESR, and Firefox versions allows attackers to spoof domain names in the location bar.
Understanding CVE-2017-5383
What is CVE-2017-5383?
URLs with specific unicode symbols do not display correctly in punycode, enabling domain name spoofing in Thunderbird, Firefox ESR, and Firefox.
The Impact of CVE-2017-5383
This vulnerability can be exploited by attackers to deceive users by displaying incorrect domain names in the location bar.
Technical Details of CVE-2017-5383
Vulnerability Description
- Domain names with certain unicode symbols are not properly displayed in punycode, allowing for spoofing attacks.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Thunderbird versions less than 45.7
- Firefox ESR versions less than 45.7
- Firefox versions less than 51
Exploitation Mechanism
- Attackers can use unicode symbols to create misleading domain names in the location bar.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update Thunderbird, Firefox ESR, and Firefox to versions 45.7 and 51 or higher.
- Be cautious when entering sensitive information on websites.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update browsers and email clients to the latest versions.
- Educate users about the risks of domain name spoofing.
Patching and Updates
- Stay informed about security advisories and apply patches promptly.