CVE-2006-0387 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Safari in Mac OS X 10.4.5 and earlier, and 10.3.9 and earlier, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors involving a web page with crafted JavaScript, a different vulnerability than CVE-2005-4504.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-0387 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within Apple Safari web browser implementations running on Mac OS X versions 10.4.5 and earlier, as well as 10.3.9 and earlier. This security weakness stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms when processing crafted JavaScript code within web page contexts, creating an exploitable condition that can be remotely triggered by malicious actors. The vulnerability specifically affects the browser's handling of certain JavaScript constructs that lead to memory corruption through improper stack management during code execution. Unlike similar vulnerabilities such as CVE-2005-4504, this particular flaw manifests through distinct attack vectors involving the processing of malicious JavaScript code within web content. The technical nature of this buffer overflow places it squarely within the scope of CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to Mac OS X users who browse the internet, as remote attackers can craft malicious web pages containing specially designed JavaScript code that, when executed by the vulnerable Safari browser, will trigger the buffer overflow condition.
The exploitability of CVE-2006-0387 enables remote code execution capabilities that align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript execution within web browsers. When a user visits a malicious website containing the crafted JavaScript payload, the browser's JavaScript engine processes the code and subsequently triggers the buffer overflow through stack memory corruption. This allows attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Safari process, which typically runs with user-level permissions but can be leveraged to escalate privileges or establish persistent access. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential denial of service conditions and information disclosure through memory state manipulation. Attackers can craft web pages that exploit the buffer overflow to overwrite critical stack variables, function return addresses, or other memory structures, enabling them to redirect program execution flow. The specific nature of the flaw means that successful exploitation could allow attackers to inject and execute malicious code on the target system, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-0387 should focus on immediate system updates and security hardening measures. The most effective approach involves upgrading to Mac OS X versions that contain the necessary security patches, specifically versions 10.4.6 and later for the 10.4.x series, or 10.3.10 and later for the 10.3.x series, which contain the relevant fixes for this buffer overflow vulnerability. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive updates promptly. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions can provide additional defense-in-depth layers by blocking known malicious JavaScript patterns. Browser security enhancements including sandboxing mechanisms and strict JavaScript execution policies can help reduce the attack surface. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual JavaScript execution patterns and anomalous network traffic that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping their systems updated. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and memory management in web browser implementations, highlighting the need for continuous security auditing and code review processes. Organizations should implement regular vulnerability assessments targeting browser components and ensure that security patches are applied across all systems within their network infrastructure to prevent exploitation of similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities in the future.