CVE-2006-4412 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
WebKit in Apple Mac OS X 10.3.x through 10.3.9 and 10.4 through 10.4.8 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted HTML file, which accesses previously deallocated objects.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2025
This vulnerability exists in the WebKit rendering engine component of Apple Mac OS X versions 10.3.x through 10.3.9 and 10.4 through 10.4.8. The flaw represents a classic use-after-free vulnerability that occurs when the browser engine attempts to access memory that has already been released, creating a dangerous condition that can be exploited by remote attackers. The vulnerability specifically manifests when processing crafted HTML content that triggers the engine to reference objects that have been deallocated from memory, leading to potential code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-416 category of use-after-free conditions, which are particularly dangerous because they can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code through memory corruption attacks. The attack vector requires a remote attacker to craft malicious HTML content that, when loaded by a victim's browser, triggers the memory management error.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the WebKit engine's object lifecycle management where objects are deallocated but references to them persist in memory. When the browser encounters the crafted HTML file, it processes elements that cause the engine to access memory locations that have already been freed, potentially allowing an attacker to control the execution flow of the application. This memory corruption can be exploited through various techniques including heap spraying and return-oriented programming to achieve remote code execution. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the browser engine level, meaning any web content loaded through Safari or other applications utilizing WebKit could potentially be exploited. The specific memory management flaw occurs during the handling of HTML elements that trigger object deallocation followed by subsequent access attempts, creating a window where attackers can manipulate the program execution flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise potential. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install malware, steal sensitive data, or perform other malicious activities without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. The affected versions represent a broad range of Mac OS X releases, making the attack surface particularly large and affecting numerous users across different system configurations. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as successful exploitation could lead to elevated privileges. The use-after-free condition creates a persistent threat vector that can be automated through malicious websites, phishing campaigns, or compromised web content, making it a significant risk for organizations and individual users alike.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates to patched versions of Mac OS X that address the memory management flaws in WebKit. Users should ensure their systems are updated to the latest available security patches from Apple, as the vulnerability was resolved through proper memory management fixes in subsequent releases. Network administrators should implement web content filtering and monitoring to detect and block access to known malicious domains that may host crafted HTML files designed to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, users should exercise caution when visiting untrusted websites and avoid downloading or executing content from unknown sources. The remediation process should include comprehensive system scans to identify any potential compromise from previous exploitation attempts and ensure that all WebKit-dependent applications are updated to versions that properly handle object deallocation and memory access patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing browser hardening measures and maintaining up-to-date security monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability class.