CVE-2025-14812: CWE-1021 Improper Restriction of Rendered UI Layers or Frames in The Browser Company of New York ArcSearch
ArcSearch for iOS versions prior to 1.45.2 could display a different domain in the address bar than the content being shown after an iframe-triggered URI-scheme navigation, increasing spoofing risk.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2025-14812 identifies a vulnerability in The Browser Company of New York's ArcSearch browser for iOS, specifically versions prior to 1.45.2. The issue stems from improper restriction of rendered UI layers or frames (CWE-1021), where an iframe-triggered URI-scheme navigation causes the browser's address bar to display a domain different from the actual content rendered within the browser window. This mismatch creates a spoofing risk, as users may be deceived into believing they are visiting a legitimate domain while viewing content from a malicious source. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable without requiring any privileges or user interaction, increasing its threat potential. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N) indicates a high severity primarily due to the integrity impact, as attackers can manipulate the perceived origin of content without affecting confidentiality or availability. No known exploits are currently documented in the wild, but the nature of the flaw suggests it could be leveraged in phishing or social engineering campaigns to bypass domain-based trust indicators. The vulnerability affects all versions prior to 1.45.2 on iOS, and no patches or mitigations are listed in the provided data, though it is implied that updating to 1.45.2 or later resolves the issue. The vulnerability highlights the importance of strict UI layer management in browsers to prevent address bar spoofing, a common vector for web-based attacks.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to the integrity of web browsing sessions on iOS devices using ArcSearch. Attackers could exploit the flaw to conduct sophisticated phishing attacks by displaying a trusted domain in the address bar while showing malicious content, potentially leading to credential theft, unauthorized transactions, or malware delivery. Sectors such as finance, government, healthcare, and critical infrastructure, which rely heavily on secure and trustworthy browsing environments, could face increased risks of social engineering attacks. The lack of confidentiality or availability impact reduces the risk of data leakage or service disruption directly from this vulnerability, but the integrity compromise can facilitate broader attacks. Organizations with mobile workforces or BYOD policies using iOS devices are particularly vulnerable. The risk is amplified in environments where ArcSearch is adopted as a primary browser or where users are less aware of spoofing techniques. Given the remote and no-interaction exploitation vector, the threat can be widespread if attackers develop exploits. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation.
Mitigation Recommendations
1. Immediately update all ArcSearch installations on iOS devices to version 1.45.2 or later, where the vulnerability is addressed. 2. Implement strict Content Security Policies (CSP) to restrict iframe usage and prevent untrusted domains from embedding content that could trigger spoofing. 3. Educate users about the risks of address bar spoofing and encourage verification of URLs beyond just the address bar, such as checking SSL certificates and using browser security indicators. 4. Employ mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce browser updates and restrict installation of vulnerable versions. 5. Monitor network traffic for unusual iframe or URI-scheme navigation patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. 6. Consider deploying endpoint security solutions capable of detecting phishing or spoofing attempts leveraging this vulnerability. 7. Collaborate with The Browser Company for any additional patches or security advisories and apply them promptly. 8. For high-risk environments, restrict or disable the use of ArcSearch until patched, or enforce use of alternative browsers with verified security postures.
Affected Countries
Germany, France, United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Netherlands, Finland
CVE-2025-14812: CWE-1021 Improper Restriction of Rendered UI Layers or Frames in The Browser Company of New York ArcSearch
Description
ArcSearch for iOS versions prior to 1.45.2 could display a different domain in the address bar than the content being shown after an iframe-triggered URI-scheme navigation, increasing spoofing risk.
AI-Powered Analysis
Technical Analysis
CVE-2025-14812 identifies a vulnerability in The Browser Company of New York's ArcSearch browser for iOS, specifically versions prior to 1.45.2. The issue stems from improper restriction of rendered UI layers or frames (CWE-1021), where an iframe-triggered URI-scheme navigation causes the browser's address bar to display a domain different from the actual content rendered within the browser window. This mismatch creates a spoofing risk, as users may be deceived into believing they are visiting a legitimate domain while viewing content from a malicious source. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable without requiring any privileges or user interaction, increasing its threat potential. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N) indicates a high severity primarily due to the integrity impact, as attackers can manipulate the perceived origin of content without affecting confidentiality or availability. No known exploits are currently documented in the wild, but the nature of the flaw suggests it could be leveraged in phishing or social engineering campaigns to bypass domain-based trust indicators. The vulnerability affects all versions prior to 1.45.2 on iOS, and no patches or mitigations are listed in the provided data, though it is implied that updating to 1.45.2 or later resolves the issue. The vulnerability highlights the importance of strict UI layer management in browsers to prevent address bar spoofing, a common vector for web-based attacks.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to the integrity of web browsing sessions on iOS devices using ArcSearch. Attackers could exploit the flaw to conduct sophisticated phishing attacks by displaying a trusted domain in the address bar while showing malicious content, potentially leading to credential theft, unauthorized transactions, or malware delivery. Sectors such as finance, government, healthcare, and critical infrastructure, which rely heavily on secure and trustworthy browsing environments, could face increased risks of social engineering attacks. The lack of confidentiality or availability impact reduces the risk of data leakage or service disruption directly from this vulnerability, but the integrity compromise can facilitate broader attacks. Organizations with mobile workforces or BYOD policies using iOS devices are particularly vulnerable. The risk is amplified in environments where ArcSearch is adopted as a primary browser or where users are less aware of spoofing techniques. Given the remote and no-interaction exploitation vector, the threat can be widespread if attackers develop exploits. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation.
Mitigation Recommendations
1. Immediately update all ArcSearch installations on iOS devices to version 1.45.2 or later, where the vulnerability is addressed. 2. Implement strict Content Security Policies (CSP) to restrict iframe usage and prevent untrusted domains from embedding content that could trigger spoofing. 3. Educate users about the risks of address bar spoofing and encourage verification of URLs beyond just the address bar, such as checking SSL certificates and using browser security indicators. 4. Employ mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce browser updates and restrict installation of vulnerable versions. 5. Monitor network traffic for unusual iframe or URI-scheme navigation patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. 6. Consider deploying endpoint security solutions capable of detecting phishing or spoofing attempts leveraging this vulnerability. 7. Collaborate with The Browser Company for any additional patches or security advisories and apply them promptly. 8. For high-risk environments, restrict or disable the use of ArcSearch until patched, or enforce use of alternative browsers with verified security postures.
Affected Countries
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Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- BCNY
- Date Reserved
- 2025-12-16T23:26:11.126Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 69458084f063e4fadff5e82d
Added to database: 12/19/2025, 4:42:44 PM
Last enriched: 12/19/2025, 4:50:11 PM
Last updated: 12/19/2025, 6:05:54 PM
Views: 3
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