CVE-2007-4695 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified "input validation" vulnerability in WebCore in Apple Mac OS X 10.4 through 10.4.10 allows remote attackers to modify form field values via unknown vectors related to file uploads.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4695 represents a critical input validation flaw within the WebCore component of Apple Mac OS X versions 10.4 through 10.4.10. This issue specifically affects the browser engine's handling of form field data during file upload operations, creating a potential attack vector that could be exploited by remote adversaries. The unspecified nature of the exact vectors involved suggests a complex interaction between multiple components within the web rendering system that collectively enabled the manipulation of form data. Such vulnerabilities typically arise from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied data before processing, particularly in contexts where file upload functionality interfaces with form submission mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of form field values during file upload processes, allowing attackers to potentially inject malicious data or alter existing form parameters. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of input validation failures that can lead to various security consequences including data corruption, unauthorized modifications, and potential privilege escalation. The WebCore engine's handling of file upload operations appears to lack proper validation mechanisms that would normally prevent or detect such unauthorized modifications to form data. This flaw represents a weakness in the application's defensive programming practices and demonstrates the importance of comprehensive input sanitization throughout all data processing pathways. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-20, which specifically addresses improper input validation as a fundamental security weakness in software applications.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for users of affected Mac OS X versions who may encounter malicious websites or web applications that exploit this weakness. Attackers could potentially manipulate form submissions to bypass security controls, modify user data, or inject malicious content into web applications that rely on proper form validation. The remote nature of the attack means that users do not need physical access to the system to exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users browse untrusted websites or interact with potentially malicious web content. This weakness could enable attackers to perform actions such as altering user preferences, modifying account information, or injecting malicious payloads that could compromise the integrity of web applications. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data modification, potentially enabling more sophisticated attacks that leverage the compromised form handling functionality.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-4695 primarily involve updating to patched versions of Apple Mac OS X, specifically versions 10.4.11 and later, which contain the necessary fixes for the WebCore input validation issues. System administrators should prioritize immediate deployment of these updates across affected systems to eliminate the vulnerability exposure. Additionally, organizations should implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions that can detect and block suspicious form submission patterns. The implementation of proper input validation at multiple layers of the application stack provides defense-in-depth against similar vulnerabilities. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual form field modifications during file upload operations, as these patterns may indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining current security patches and implementing comprehensive security controls that address both known and emerging threats in web application environments. The remediation approach should also include user education about safe browsing practices and the importance of keeping operating systems updated to protect against known vulnerabilities.