CVE-2007-4691 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
The NSURL component in Apple Mac OS X 10.4 through 10.4.10 performs case-sensitive comparisons that allow attackers to bypass intended restrictions for local file system URLs.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4691 resides within the NSURL component of Apple Mac OS X versions 10.4 through 10.4.10, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the operating system's file access controls. This issue stems from the component's implementation of case-sensitive URL comparisons that fail to properly validate local file system access restrictions, creating a pathway for malicious actors to circumvent intended security boundaries. The flaw specifically affects how the system processes file:// URLs and their associated path traversals, allowing attackers to manipulate the comparison logic through subtle case variations that should not alter access permissions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-254, which addresses security weaknesses related to improper access control mechanisms. When the NSURL component processes local file system URLs, it performs case-sensitive string comparisons that do not adequately account for the potential for attackers to exploit path traversal techniques through case variations. This behavior creates a condition where legitimate access restrictions designed to prevent unauthorized file system access can be bypassed simply by altering the case of characters within the URL path, thereby allowing attackers to access files or directories that should be restricted. The vulnerability manifests particularly when the system processes URLs containing local file paths where the case sensitivity of directory or file names can be manipulated to evade access controls.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to Mac OS X systems running the affected versions, as it enables attackers to potentially access sensitive files, system resources, or data that should be protected by access controls. The flaw can be exploited in scenarios involving web applications or services that utilize NSURL for processing local file system requests, potentially allowing for unauthorized data access or system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to bypass security measures that rely on proper path validation, leading to potential information disclosure or privilege escalation opportunities. The impact extends beyond simple file access, as it undermines the fundamental security assumptions of the operating system's file system access control model.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-4691 should prioritize immediate system updates to Apple Mac OS X 10.4.11 or later versions where the vulnerability has been patched. Organizations should implement comprehensive security monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts through unusual URL patterns or access requests that might indicate case-sensitive manipulation. System administrators should also review and harden access controls for local file system resources, ensuring that applications utilizing NSURL components properly validate all input parameters regardless of case variations. Additionally, security configurations should include regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar implementation flaws in other components that might exhibit similar case-sensitive comparison behaviors, as this pattern can indicate broader architectural weaknesses in access control implementations. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of consistent security practices across all system components and the necessity of thorough testing of access control mechanisms under various input conditions.