CVE-2018-12448 : Security Advisory and Response

Whale Browser before version 1.3.48.4 allows attackers to display deceptive web pages with counterfeit domain names.

Understanding CVE-2018-12448

When using Whale Browser before version 1.3.48.4 and visiting a non-HTTP page, only the title of the web page is shown on the browser's address bar, not the URL information, which can be exploited by attackers.

What is CVE-2018-12448?

This CVE refers to a vulnerability in Whale Browser that enables attackers to present fake web pages with misleading domain names.

The Impact of CVE-2018-12448

The vulnerability allows malicious actors to deceive users by displaying counterfeit domain names on the browser's address bar, potentially leading to phishing attacks and other forms of cyber fraud.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-12448

Whale Browser's vulnerability can be further understood through the following technical details:

Vulnerability Description

Whale Browser before version 1.3.48.4 fails to display URL information on the address bar when visiting non-HTTP pages, opening the door for attackers to create deceptive web pages.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Whale Browser
Vendor: NAVER Corporation
Vulnerable Version: < 1.3.48.4

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting web pages with fake domain names, tricking users into believing they are visiting legitimate sites.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-12448, users and organizations can take the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Whale Browser to version 1.3.48.4 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Avoid visiting non-HTTP pages on older versions of Whale Browser.

Long-Term Security Practices

Educate users about the risks of deceptive web pages and phishing attacks.
Implement browser security best practices to prevent similar exploits in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly update Whale Browser to the latest version to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities.