CVE-2007-5854 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Launch Services in Apple Mac OS X 10.4.11 and 10.5.1 does not treat HTML files as unsafe content, which allows attackers to conduct cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks or obtain sensitive information via a crafted HTML file.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/02/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-5854 represents a critical security flaw in Apple Mac OS X versions 10.4.11 and 10.5.1 within the Launch Services component. This issue stems from the improper handling of HTML files by the system's content processing mechanisms, creating a significant attack vector for malicious actors. The flaw specifically manifests in how the operating system treats HTML files as safe content rather than potentially dangerous user input that could contain malicious scripts or payloads. This misclassification allows attackers to exploit the system through carefully crafted HTML files that could execute unauthorized code or extract sensitive information from users' systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the Launch Services framework which is responsible for managing how applications handle different file types and protocols. When a user opens or interacts with an HTML file, the system should properly sanitize and validate the content to prevent execution of malicious scripts. However, in the affected versions, the Launch Services component fails to properly identify HTML files as potentially unsafe, thereby bypassing the necessary security checks. This flaw operates at the application level rather than the kernel level, making it accessible to attackers without requiring elevated privileges, though it still requires user interaction to be exploited effectively.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple cross-site scripting attacks to encompass broader information disclosure risks. Attackers can craft HTML files containing malicious javascript code that executes when the file is opened or viewed, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or system compromise. The vulnerability affects the core operating system functionality, meaning that any user who opens a malicious HTML file could become a victim of exploitation. This type of attack falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is classified as a common weakness in web applications and operating systems. The attack surface is particularly concerning because HTML files are commonly encountered in email attachments, web browsing, and file sharing scenarios, making exploitation relatively easy for threat actors.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in relation to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically the T1059.007 technique for Scripting and T1203 technique for Exploitation for Client Execution. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly benign file types can be weaponized through improper content handling, requiring users to exercise extreme caution when opening HTML files from untrusted sources. The affected versions of Mac OS X were widely deployed in enterprise environments, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations that did not maintain up-to-date security patches. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including user education about avoiding suspicious HTML files, implementing content filtering solutions, and ensuring that all systems are updated to versions that properly address this Launch Services vulnerability. The remediation process involves updating to patched versions of Mac OS X where the Launch Services component correctly identifies HTML files as potentially unsafe content requiring proper sanitization before processing.