CVE-2006-1448 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Finder in Apple Mac OS X 10.3.9 and 10.4.6 allows user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code by tricking a user into launching an Internet Location item that appears to use a safe URL scheme, but which actually has a different and more risky scheme.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/17/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-1448 represents a sophisticated social engineering attack vector within Apple Mac OS X Finder application that exploits user trust in familiar URL schemes. This security flaw exists in Mac OS X versions 10.3.9 and 10.4.6, where the Finder application fails to properly validate the actual URL scheme of Internet Location items. The vulnerability operates through a deceptive mechanism where attackers craft malicious Internet Location files that initially appear to use benign schemes such as http or https, but actually contain hidden dangerous schemes that trigger unauthorized code execution when launched by unsuspecting users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the Finder's handling of Internet Location files, which are typically identified by the .webloc extension. When a user double-clicks such a file, the Finder parses the URL structure and executes the specified scheme without sufficient verification of the actual protocol being invoked. This creates a window where attackers can manipulate the underlying URL scheme to bypass normal security restrictions, potentially executing code with the privileges of the logged-in user. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-20 as "Improper Input Validation" and specifically relates to CWE-78 as "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command" when the malicious scheme triggers system commands.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables attackers to perform remote code execution on targeted systems without requiring direct network access or system compromise. The attack requires user interaction, making it a classic example of a user-assisted privilege escalation vector that leverages social engineering principles. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to potentially allow full system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms. Attackers can craft convincing Internet Location files that appear legitimate, exploiting the trust users place in familiar web protocols while silently executing malicious payloads through alternative schemes such as file:// or mailto: protocols that may trigger different execution contexts.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly concerning given the widespread use of Mac OS X systems in enterprise environments and the typical user behavior of clicking on seemingly safe web links. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript' and T1203 for "Exploitation for Client Execution" as it enables attackers to execute code through legitimate application interfaces. Organizations should implement strict file execution policies and user education programs to prevent accidental execution of malicious Internet Location files. The recommended mitigations include upgrading to patched versions of Mac OS X, implementing application whitelisting policies, and configuring Finder to display full URL information before execution. Additionally, security teams should monitor for suspicious Internet Location file creation patterns and establish incident response procedures for potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating user input at multiple layers of application execution and highlights the need for robust protocol handling mechanisms in operating system components.