CVE-2007-5857 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Quick Look in Apple Mac OS X 10.5.1 does not prevent a movie from accessing URLs when the movie file is previewed or if an icon is created, which might allow remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via HREFTrack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/05/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-5857 represents a significant security flaw in Apple Mac OS X 10.5.1's Quick Look functionality, which is designed to provide users with a quick preview of files without opening them in their primary applications. This feature, while convenient for users, created an unexpected security vector that could be exploited by remote attackers. The vulnerability specifically affects how Quick Look handles movie files, particularly those containing embedded hyperlinks or URL references, when these files are previewed or when icons are generated for them within the operating system's interface.
The technical flaw stems from Quick Look's inadequate sandboxing and access control mechanisms when processing multimedia content. When a movie file is previewed or when an icon is created for such a file, the system fails to properly isolate the content from the broader system environment. This allows malicious movie files to execute HREFTrack operations that can access URLs and potentially extract sensitive information from the local network or system. The vulnerability operates at the application level where Quick Look's preview engine does not sufficiently validate or restrict network access permissions for embedded content, creating a pathway for unauthorized information disclosure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with a method to potentially gather sensitive data from systems running Mac OS X 10.5.1. Attackers could craft malicious movie files that, when previewed by unsuspecting users, would automatically attempt to access internal network resources or web services that might contain confidential information. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no user interaction beyond simply previewing a file, making it highly exploitable in social engineering scenarios. This vulnerability essentially undermines the security model of the operating system by allowing preview functionality to bypass normal network access restrictions that would normally be enforced by the system's security policies.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which covers "Information Exposure," and demonstrates how improper access control in preview systems can lead to unauthorized information disclosure. The attack pattern corresponds to techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and control communication, and T1069 for permission groups and privileges. The flaw represents a classic case of insufficient input validation and inadequate privilege separation in system components that are expected to be safe for user interaction. Organizations running affected versions of Mac OS X should consider this vulnerability as a critical threat that could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to internal resources through seemingly innocuous file preview operations. The recommended mitigations include applying Apple's security patches, implementing network access controls to prevent unauthorized outbound connections from preview applications, and educating users about the risks of previewing untrusted files.