CVE-2017-7833 : Security Advisory and Response

A vulnerability in Firefox versions prior to 57 allows for domain spoofing attacks by combining Latin characters with certain Arabic and Indic vowel marker characters in a domain name.

Understanding CVE-2017-7833

This CVE entry describes a security issue in Firefox that can lead to domain spoofing attacks.

What is CVE-2017-7833?

The vulnerability involves a combination of Latin characters and specific Arabic and Indic vowel marker characters in a domain name, making the non-Latin character invisible to many viewers.
This invisibility creates an opportunity for domain spoofing attacks as the combined domain names do not appear as punycode.

The Impact of CVE-2017-7833

The vulnerability affects Firefox versions prior to 57, potentially exposing users to domain spoofing attacks.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-7833

This section provides more technical insights into the CVE-2017-7833 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

Some Arabic and Indic vowel marker characters, when combined with Latin characters in a domain name, can obscure the non-Latin character in the address bar with specific font sets.
This obscurity allows for domain spoofing attacks due to the non-display of punycode for these combined domain names.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Firefox
Vendor: Mozilla
Affected Versions: Prior to version 57

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by creating domain names that combine Latin characters with specific Arabic and Indic vowel marker characters to deceive users.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting against CVE-2017-7833 involves taking immediate steps and implementing long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Firefox to version 57 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Be cautious when entering or interacting with domain names containing mixed character sets.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update your web browser to the latest version to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities.
Educate users about the risks of domain spoofing and encourage vigilance when browsing.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Mozilla and promptly apply patches to address any identified vulnerabilities.