CVE-2007-5862 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Java in Mac OS X 10.4 through 10.4.11 allows remote attackers to bypass Keychain access controls and add or delete arbitrary Keychain items via a crafted Java applet.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2021
This vulnerability exists within the Java runtime environment integrated into Mac OS X versions 10.4 through 10.4.11, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the fundamental access control mechanisms of the system's Keychain service. The issue stems from insufficient sandboxing and privilege escalation controls within the Java applet execution environment, allowing malicious code to circumvent the secure storage protections that normally govern access to sensitive credentials and cryptographic keys stored within the Keychain. The vulnerability specifically targets the security boundaries between the Java Virtual Machine and the underlying operating system's security infrastructure, creating a pathway for remote attackers to manipulate system-protected data without proper authentication or authorization.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of Java applet permissions and the abuse of trusted execution contexts within the Mac OS X environment. Attackers can craft malicious Java applets that leverage the inherent trust relationships between the Java runtime and the operating system to perform unauthorized operations on the Keychain service. This flaw enables attackers to add or delete arbitrary Keychain items, effectively compromising the confidentiality and integrity of stored credentials, certificates, and other sensitive cryptographic material. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of multiple security domains, including application sandboxing, privilege management, and cryptographic key storage, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited remotely without requiring local system access or elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple credential theft, as it fundamentally compromises the security model of Mac OS X Keychain services. Organizations relying on Keychain-based authentication for secure communications, network access, and system administration could face complete credential compromise, potentially enabling attackers to gain unauthorized access to network resources, encrypted data, and privileged system functions. The remote exploit capability means that attackers can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or prior system compromise, making this vulnerability particularly attractive for widespread exploitation campaigns. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-284, which addresses improper access control mechanisms, and represents a classic case of privilege escalation through application sandbox bypass.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates and comprehensive security hardening measures. Organizations should prioritize updating to Mac OS X versions that contain the patched Java runtime environment, as the vulnerability was addressed through enhanced sandboxing controls and stricter access control enforcement within the Java execution environment. Network administrators should implement additional monitoring for suspicious Java applet activity and consider disabling Java applet execution in web browsers when not specifically required for business operations. The remediation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers application layer execution through Java applets, emphasizing the need for strict control over trusted execution environments. System administrators should also implement regular security assessments of Keychain contents and establish automated monitoring for unauthorized Keychain modifications, as the vulnerability creates persistent access pathways that could be exploited repeatedly until properly patched.