CVE-2007-4701 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
WebKit on Apple Mac OS X 10.4 through 10.4.10 does not create temporary files securely when Safari is previewing a PDF file, which allows local users to read the contents of that file.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4701 represents a critical security flaw in Apple's WebKit rendering engine that affected Mac OS X versions 10.4 through 10.4.10. This issue stems from insecure temporary file creation practices during PDF preview functionality within Safari browser. The flaw manifests when Safari processes PDF files for preview purposes, creating temporary files that do not adhere to secure file creation protocols. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure temporary file handling as classified by CWE-377, which specifically addresses the creation of temporary files with insecure permissions or predictable naming conventions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the way WebKit manages temporary file creation during PDF rendering operations. When Safari previews PDF documents, it generates temporary files in system directories without proper security measures such as setting appropriate file permissions or using secure random naming conventions. This insecure approach creates temporary files that can be accessed by local users who have the necessary privileges to read the file contents. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the operating system level rather than within the browser itself, making it difficult to detect and prevent through traditional browser security measures. The flaw essentially creates a race condition where unauthorized users can potentially access sensitive information contained within the temporary PDF files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides local attackers with unauthorized access to potentially sensitive documents that users are previewing in Safari. This risk is particularly significant in enterprise environments where users may be previewing confidential documents, financial reports, or other sensitive materials. The vulnerability affects the core security model of the operating system by allowing privilege escalation through insecure temporary file creation. Attackers could potentially exploit this weakness to access documents that should remain private, leading to data breaches or information leakage. The attack vector requires local system access but does not necessitate network connectivity or complex exploitation techniques, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where privilege separation is expected.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing secure temporary file creation practices that align with industry standards such as those outlined in the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) guidelines. System administrators should ensure that all temporary file creation operations follow secure coding practices, including setting appropriate file permissions, using secure random naming conventions, and implementing proper file cleanup procedures. The fix typically involves modifying the WebKit codebase to ensure that temporary files are created with restrictive permissions and that the file naming process is randomized to prevent predictable file locations. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of following the principle of least privilege in system design, where temporary file creation should not grant unnecessary access rights to local users. Organizations should implement regular security audits of their systems to identify similar insecure temporary file handling patterns that could lead to similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process involves updating the affected Mac OS X versions to patched releases that address the insecure temporary file creation behavior, ensuring that all temporary files are created with appropriate security measures that prevent unauthorized access.