CVE-2007-4708 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in Address Book in Apple Mac OS X 10.4.11 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via the URL handler.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/01/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4708 represents a critical format string vulnerability within the Address Book application of Apple Mac OS X 10.4.11 operating system. This flaw exists in the URL handler component that processes web addresses and other Uniform Resource Locators entered into the address book database. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and handling of format specifiers within the application's string processing functions, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems.
This format string vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-134 which specifically addresses the use of format strings without proper validation of the format string arguments. The flaw manifests when the Address Book application processes a specially crafted URL containing format specifiers that are not properly sanitized before being passed to formatting functions such as printf or similar string manipulation routines. Attackers can construct malicious URLs that contain format string specifiers like %s, %x, or %n which, when processed by the vulnerable application, can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the Address Book application. This means that an attacker could potentially gain unauthorized access to system resources, install malware, modify system files, or establish persistent backdoors on compromised Macintosh systems. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through legitimate web browsing activities without requiring any special privileges or physical access to the target system. Attackers could deliver malicious URLs through phishing emails, compromised websites, or social engineering campaigns that trick users into opening the specially crafted URLs within the Address Book application.
The exploitability of CVE-2007-4708 aligns with techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the Tactic of Execution and the technique of Command and Scripting Interpreter. The vulnerability can be leveraged as part of a broader attack chain where initial access is achieved through web-based delivery methods, followed by code execution that could lead to privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the dangers of using unsafe string formatting functions in application development. The vulnerability also highlights the risks associated with legacy software support and the need for timely security updates in enterprise environments where older operating system versions may still be in use.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate installation of Apple's security patches and updates that address the format string handling in the Address Book application. System administrators should also implement network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions that can detect and block malicious URLs containing format string specifiers. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of avoiding suspicious URLs and email attachments, while network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns of URL processing activity. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper software security practices including input validation, secure coding standards, and regular security assessments to prevent similar issues in future software development cycles.