CVE-2004-1314 in Safari
Summary
by MITRE
Safari 1.x allows remote attackers to spoof arbitrary web sites by injecting content from one window into a target window whose name is known but resides in a different domain, as demonstrated using a pop-up window on a trusted web site, aka the "window injection" vulnerability, a different vulnerability than CVE-2004-1122.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2021
The CVE-2004-1314 vulnerability represents a critical cross-domain scripting flaw in Apple Safari version 1.x that enables remote attackers to perform sophisticated web site spoofing operations. This vulnerability specifically exploits the browser's handling of window objects and their cross-domain communication mechanisms, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject content into targeted browser windows. The flaw operates through a technique known as window injection where an attacker can manipulate the content of a target window by leveraging the window.name property and cross-domain navigation capabilities. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows attackers to target pop-up windows that are opened by trusted websites, effectively enabling them to create convincing phishing attacks or malicious content delivery mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability relies on Safari's permissive cross-domain window access policies that were prevalent in version 1.x. When a web page opens a pop-up window using window.open() and assigns it a specific name, the browser's security model allows subsequent scripts from different domains to access and modify that named window object. Attackers can exploit this behavior by first opening a pop-up window on a trusted site, then using a second malicious domain to inject content into that already-opened window. This injection occurs because Safari 1.x did not properly enforce the same-origin policy for window manipulation operations, allowing scripts from different domains to directly manipulate window contents when they knew the target window's name and had access to it through legitimate navigation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple content spoofing to encompass sophisticated phishing attacks and credential theft operations. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to create convincing fake login pages that appear to be part of legitimate websites, particularly targeting users who have trusted sites open in pop-up windows. The vulnerability is especially dangerous in environments where users frequently interact with multiple trusted domains, as it enables attackers to maintain persistent access to these windows and gradually build trust with users. This makes the vulnerability particularly effective for social engineering campaigns where the attacker can manipulate the user's perception of the legitimate website while simultaneously harvesting sensitive information.
The vulnerability demonstrates a classic weakness in browser security model implementation that aligns with CWE-352, which describes Cross-Site Request Forgery vulnerabilities, and also relates to CWE-79, which covers Cross-Site Scripting. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for Scripting and T1566 for Phishing, as it enables attackers to execute malicious scripts within trusted browsing contexts and deliver deceptive content to users. The attack chain typically involves initial access through a trusted website, followed by exploitation of the window injection mechanism to manipulate pop-up windows, and finally the delivery of malicious content or credential harvesting operations. Organizations should note that this vulnerability was particularly problematic in enterprise environments where users frequently interacted with multiple domains and trusted websites, as it could be exploited to compromise entire user sessions and bypass traditional security controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1314 require immediate browser updates to versions that properly enforce cross-domain security policies and implement stricter window access controls. Users should be educated about the risks of opening pop-up windows from untrusted sites and should be trained to recognize signs of window injection attacks. Browser security configurations should be updated to disable or restrict window.open() operations when the target window name is known and the source domain is untrusted. Network-level controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can help detect and block suspicious window manipulation patterns, though these measures are secondary to proper browser security updates. Organizations should also implement user awareness training programs that specifically address the risks of cross-domain content injection and the importance of verifying website authenticity before entering sensitive information. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date browser software and demonstrates how seemingly minor security model flaws can have significant operational impacts on user trust and security posture.