CVE-2007-4698 in Safari
Summary
by MITRE
Apple Safari 3 before Beta Update 3.0.4 on Windows, and Mac OS X 10.4 through 10.4.10, allows remote attackers to conduct cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks by causing JavaScript events to be associated with the wrong frame.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2019
This vulnerability exists in Apple Safari web browser versions prior to Beta Update 3.0.4 on both Windows and Mac OS X platforms. The flaw represents a classic cross-site scripting vulnerability that exploits improper handling of JavaScript events within frame contexts. The technical implementation issue stems from Safari's failure to correctly associate JavaScript events with their intended frame elements, creating opportunities for malicious actors to inject harmful scripts that execute in unintended contexts. This mismanagement of frame event associations allows attackers to manipulate the browser's security model and bypass intended isolation between different content frames.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it enables attackers to exploit the browser's frame management system to execute arbitrary code within the context of trusted websites. This particular flaw operates through a frame-based attack vector where JavaScript events intended for one frame are incorrectly processed by another frame, potentially allowing attackers to access sensitive data or perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users. The vulnerability specifically affects versions where Safari's frame handling logic does not properly validate or sanitize event associations, creating a persistent security gap that could be exploited across multiple web applications.
Security researchers have classified this vulnerability under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. The attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript execution and T1211 for exploitation of browser vulnerabilities. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or compromised web pages. The frame-based nature of the flaw means that even websites with proper security measures could be compromised if they embed content from untrusted sources that trigger this event association bug.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Safari versions to Beta Update 3.0.4 or later releases. Organizations should implement comprehensive browser security policies that enforce regular updates and monitor for vulnerable browser versions in their environments. Network administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls and content filtering solutions that can detect and block known XSS attack patterns. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of avoiding untrusted websites and maintaining updated browser software. The fix implemented by Apple addresses the core frame event association logic and includes proper validation of event targets to ensure JavaScript execution occurs within the intended frame context, thereby preventing the cross-site scripting conditions that enabled this attack vector.