CVE-2007-5856 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Quick Look Apple Mac OS X 10.5.1, when previewing an HTML file, does not prevent plug-ins from making network requests, which might allow remote attackers to obtain sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/02/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5856 represents a significant security flaw in Apple Mac OS X 10.5.1's Quick Look functionality, which is designed to provide users with rapid previews of files without fully opening them. This feature operates by rendering file content directly within the operating system's preview pane, offering convenience but inadvertently creating a security risk when processing HTML files. The flaw specifically manifests in how the Quick Look component handles plugin execution during HTML preview operations, creating an attack surface that adversaries can exploit to bypass normal network security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient sandboxing mechanisms within the Quick Look subsystem when processing HTML content. When users preview HTML files through Quick Look, the system loads associated plugins to render the content properly, but these plugins are not adequately restricted from making network connections to external servers. This behavior violates fundamental security principles of privilege separation and resource isolation, allowing malicious plugins to establish network communication without proper authorization. The flaw operates at the application level rather than the kernel level, making it particularly concerning as it leverages legitimate system functionality to execute unauthorized network operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-5856 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with a covert channel for data exfiltration and command and control communication. Remote attackers can craft specially designed HTML files that contain malicious plugins or embedded scripts which, when previewed through Quick Look, automatically establish network connections to attacker-controlled servers. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code," as the system fails to properly control plugin execution and network access during preview operations. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it requires no user interaction beyond simply viewing a file, making it difficult to detect and prevent through traditional security measures.
The implications of this vulnerability align with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to initial access and command and control. Attackers can leverage this flaw to establish persistent communication channels with compromised systems, potentially using the network connections to download additional malware or exfiltrate sensitive data. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require elevated privileges or complex attack chains, making it accessible to threat actors with minimal technical expertise. Organizations using Mac OS X 10.5.1 systems are particularly vulnerable as this version predates many modern security hardening measures and sandboxing implementations that would normally prevent such unauthorized network access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5856 should focus on immediate patching of the affected Mac OS X version, as Apple released updates to address this specific vulnerability. System administrators should also implement network monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized outbound connections from Quick Look processes, particularly when previewing HTML content. Additional protective measures include disabling Quick Look functionality for HTML files through system configuration, implementing network access controls that restrict plugin network communication, and establishing user education programs to avoid previewing untrusted HTML content. The vulnerability highlights the importance of sandboxing principles and proper privilege separation in operating system design, as outlined in security best practices from organizations such as NIST and ISO 27001 standards for information security management.