CVE-2007-2399 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
WebKit in Apple Mac OS X 10.3.9, 10.4.9 and later, and iPhone before 1.0.1 performs an "invalid type conversion", which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified frame sets that trigger memory corruption.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2399 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within the WebKit rendering engine component of Apple's operating systems and mobile platform. This issue affects Mac OS X versions 10.3.9 through 10.4.9 and all iPhone devices prior to version 1.0.1, demonstrating the widespread impact of WebKit-based vulnerabilities across Apple's ecosystem. The flaw manifests during the processing of web content through unspecified frame sets, creating a dangerous condition where invalid type conversions occur within the memory management system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of type conversions within WebKit's frame processing mechanisms. When malicious web content containing specially crafted frame sets is rendered, the browser engine encounters a scenario where it attempts to convert data types in an unsafe manner. This invalid type conversion leads to memory corruption that can be exploited by remote attackers to gain arbitrary code execution privileges on affected systems. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of memory management and type safety, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate the execution flow of the browser process.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to users of affected Apple platforms as it enables remote code execution without requiring local system access. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that, when loaded in a vulnerable browser, trigger the memory corruption condition and allow them to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the browser process. This capability directly aligns with attack patterns described in the attack tree framework, where remote exploitation of browser vulnerabilities can lead to full system compromise. The vulnerability's presence in both desktop and mobile operating systems increases the attack surface considerably.
The security implications extend beyond simple code execution, as this flaw can be leveraged to establish persistent access to affected systems. Once exploited, attackers can potentially install malware, modify system files, or exfiltrate sensitive data from compromised devices. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of web browser security in modern computing environments where users frequently interact with untrusted web content. The issue represents a classic example of a buffer overflow or memory corruption vulnerability that can be exploited through web-based attack vectors, aligning with common attack patterns documented in the attack framework. Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected systems, implementation of web content filtering measures, and user education regarding the risks of visiting untrusted websites. Organizations should also consider network-based protections and monitoring for exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability.