CVE-2005-3897 in Safari
Summary
by MITRE
Apple Safari 2.0.2 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (system slowdown) via a Javascript BODY onload event that calls the window function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2018
This vulnerability resides in Apple Safari version 2.0.2 and represents a classic denial of service flaw that exploits JavaScript event handling mechanisms. The issue specifically manifests when a malicious web page contains a javascript body onload event that repeatedly calls the window function, creating a resource exhaustion condition that leads to system slowdowns. The vulnerability demonstrates how improper handling of javascript events can be leveraged to consume system resources and degrade performance without necessarily crashing the browser entirely. This type of attack falls under the category of resource exhaustion attacks that target the browser's javascript engine execution environment.
The technical flaw stems from the browser's insufficient validation and resource management when processing javascript events, particularly those triggered during page load operations. When the onload event handler repeatedly invokes window functions, it creates an infinite or near-infinite loop that consumes cpu cycles and memory resources. The javascript engine fails to implement adequate safeguards against such recursive or repetitive function calls, allowing malicious actors to exploit this weakness. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and demonstrates poor input validation and execution flow control within the browser's javascript interpreter. The flaw can be categorized under CWE-400 which addresses unchecked resource allocation and CWE-674 which covers uncontrolled recursion in software systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple performance degradation to potentially affect user productivity and system stability. When exploited, the malicious javascript code causes the browser to consume excessive system resources, leading to noticeable slowdowns that may render the affected system nearly unusable. Users may experience freezing, lagging interfaces, and overall degraded performance that affects their ability to browse the internet normally. This type of denial of service attack can be particularly effective in environments where users rely heavily on browser functionality for their daily tasks. The vulnerability represents a significant security concern as it allows remote attackers to compromise system resources without requiring elevated privileges or direct system access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper javascript execution limits and resource monitoring within browser environments. Browser vendors should enforce maximum execution time limits for javascript code and implement recursive call depth monitoring to prevent infinite loops from consuming system resources. Users should be advised to keep their browsers updated with the latest security patches and to avoid visiting untrusted websites that may contain malicious javascript code. Additionally, implementing content security policies and javascript sandboxing mechanisms can help prevent such exploits from occurring. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper javascript engine design and resource management, with recommendations aligning with attack techniques documented in the mitre attack framework under the resource exhaustion and javascript-based attacks categories. Organizations should consider implementing browser hardening measures and network-level protections to detect and prevent exploitation of such vulnerabilities in enterprise environments.