Safari vulnerability disclosed after Apple pushes fix to Spring 2021
A vulnerability in Apple’s Web Share API, used to share Safari links through third-party apps, has been publicly disclosed after Apple said it wouldn’t release a fix until Spring 2021.
The Web Share API allows users to share links to elements, such as photos, from the Safari browser through third-party applications, including any email client. A flaw found in this integration, however, could allow a hacker to configure a malicious site to attach system files to an email, in addition to the link being shared.
The bug has been disclosed by researcher Pawel Wylecial four months after he first brought it to Apple’s attention, and after the company confirmed that it would be releasing a fix but that this wouldn't be available until at least Spring 2021. The vulnerability was tested on iOS 13.4.1 and 13.6, macOS Mojave 10.14.16 with Safari 13.1 and on macOS Catalina 10.15.5 with Safari 13.1.1, although other versions of Apple iPhone and Mac operating systems, and Safari, may be affected.
