CVE-2007-3759 in iPhone
Summary
by MITRE
Safari in Apple iPhone 1.1.1, when requested to disable Javascript, does not disable it until Safari is restarted, which might leave Safari open to attacks that the user does not expect.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/29/2017
This vulnerability exists in Apple iPhone 1.1.1 Safari browser where users can request to disable javascript functionality through the settings interface. However, the implementation contains a critical flaw in the execution model that prevents immediate deactivation of javascript capabilities. The browser maintains a running process state where javascript remains active even after the user has explicitly disabled it through the interface controls. This represents a fundamental issue in the application's privilege management and security configuration handling that violates the principle of least privilege and proper access control mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from a failure to properly synchronize the user interface state with the underlying browser execution environment, creating a persistent security gap that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical flaw manifests as a delayed execution model where the javascript disable setting only takes effect upon browser restart rather than immediately. This behavior creates a window of opportunity where malicious websites can execute javascript code while the user believes javascript is disabled, potentially allowing for cross-site scripting attacks, session hijacking, or other javascript-based exploits that would normally be prevented. The implementation violates security standards related to immediate privilege revocation and proper state management, as documented in CWE-665 and CWE-707. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it creates a false sense of security for users who believe they have properly configured their browser security settings.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple security misconfiguration to create real attack vectors that can be leveraged by threat actors. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that exploit the javascript functionality while users believe they are protected, potentially leading to unauthorized access to user data, session information, or device resources. This vulnerability directly relates to attack patterns described in the ATT&CK framework under T1211 and T1059 where adversaries leverage browser-based exploits to execute malicious code. The delayed execution model creates persistent exposure windows that can be exploited during the period between user configuration and actual implementation of the security setting.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention through proper browser state management and immediate execution of user security preferences. Users should be advised to restart their Safari browser immediately after disabling javascript to ensure proper functionality. System administrators and security teams should implement monitoring for unexpected javascript execution patterns and consider implementing additional browser hardening measures. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and immediate security configuration enforcement as outlined in NIST SP 800-53 security controls. Apple should address this through proper state synchronization mechanisms and ensure that user security preferences are enforced immediately rather than requiring application restart. Organizations should also implement security awareness training to educate users about the potential risks of delayed security configurations and the importance of verifying security settings are properly applied.