CVE-2006-0388 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Safari in Mac OS X 10.3 before 10.3.9 and 10.4 before 10.4.5 allows remote attackers to redirect users to local files and execute arbitrary JavaScript via unspecified vectors involving HTTP redirection to local resources.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2021
This vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting and local file access issue affecting Apple Safari web browser on Mac OS X systems. The flaw exists in the browser's handling of HTTP redirection mechanisms, specifically when redirecting users to local file resources on the victim's machine. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious web pages that redirect users to local file paths, potentially enabling execution of arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of the local file system. The vulnerability affects Safari versions prior to 10.3.9 and 10.4.5, indicating a widespread impact across multiple Mac OS X releases.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper validation of redirect URLs and insufficient sanitization of local file path references. When Safari processes HTTP redirects to local resources, it fails to properly verify the destination paths, allowing attackers to manipulate the browser's navigation behavior. This creates an attack surface where remote adversaries can leverage web-based redirection techniques to gain unauthorized access to local system resources. The unspecified vectors suggest multiple potential exploitation paths, including but not limited to malformed URL schemes, relative path traversal, or improper handling of file:// URI references. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and specifically relates to CWE-79 for cross-site scripting vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage. Users who visit compromised websites could unknowingly be redirected to local files on their systems, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data, system compromise, or further exploitation through local privilege escalation. The vulnerability particularly affects users who browse the internet on Mac systems running the affected Safari versions, creating a substantial risk for both individual users and enterprise environments where Mac systems are prevalent. This issue could be leveraged in phishing attacks or social engineering campaigns where attackers craft convincing web pages that redirect victims to malicious local resources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve updating to patched versions of Mac OS X and Safari browser. Apple released security updates addressing this specific issue in Mac OS X 10.3.9 and 10.4.5, which included enhanced validation of HTTP redirect URLs and improved handling of local file references. Organizations should implement immediate patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive the necessary security updates. Additionally, network administrators can deploy web filtering solutions to block suspicious redirect patterns and monitor for potentially malicious URL redirection attempts. Browser security configurations should include disabling automatic redirects to local resources where possible, and users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure URL handling in web browsers, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1212 for exploitation of software vulnerabilities and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage.