CVE-2007-3743 in Safari
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in bookmark handling in Apple Safari 3 Beta before Update 3.0.3 on Windows allows user-assisted remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) or execute arbitrary code via a bookmark with a long title.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3743 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within Apple Safari 3 Beta versions prior to Update 3.0.3 on Windows operating systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the bookmark handling functionality of the web browser, creating a dangerous condition where malicious input can corrupt memory structures and potentially lead to arbitrary code execution. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation during the processing of bookmark titles, where the application fails to properly check the length of user-provided data before storing it in a fixed-size stack buffer.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic stack buffer overflow scenario where a maliciously crafted bookmark containing an excessively long title can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. When Safari processes such a bookmark, the application does not validate the length of the title field against the allocated buffer size, allowing the overflow to occur. This condition creates an exploitable state where attackers can manipulate the program's execution flow by overwriting return addresses, function pointers, or other critical stack data. The vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as CWE-121, which classifies stack-based buffer overflows as a fundamental memory safety issue. From an attack perspective, this flaw aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to encompass full system compromise potential. While the primary reported effect is application crash leading to denial of service, the underlying buffer overflow condition creates opportunities for more severe exploitation. Remote attackers can craft malicious bookmarks that, when loaded by an unsuspecting user, trigger the overflow and potentially execute malicious code with the privileges of the targeted user. The vulnerability affects Windows users specifically, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where Safari usage is prevalent. The exploitation requires user interaction through bookmark loading, making it a user-assisted remote attack vector rather than a fully automated threat, though social engineering remains a significant concern.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-3743 focus primarily on immediate remediation through software updates and implementation of defensive programming practices. The most effective immediate solution involves updating to Safari 3.0.3 or later versions where Apple has implemented proper input validation for bookmark titles. Organizations should also implement network-level defenses such as web content filtering to prevent access to potentially malicious bookmark content and employ application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of untrusted browser extensions. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual bookmark creation patterns and implementation of intrusion detection systems capable of identifying buffer overflow attempts. From a defensive programming standpoint, developers should implement bounds checking, use safe string handling functions, and employ stack canaries to detect buffer overflow conditions before they can be exploited. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security risks and demonstrates how seemingly benign features like bookmark handling can become attack vectors when proper security controls are not implemented.