CVE-2008-1005 in Safari
Summary
by MITRE
WebCore, as used in Apple Safari before 3.1, does not properly mask the password field when reverse conversion is used with the Kotoeri input method, which allows physically proximate attackers to read the password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2019
This vulnerability resides in the WebCore rendering engine component of Apple Safari browser versions prior to 3.1, specifically affecting the handling of password fields during input method processing. The flaw manifests when using the Kotoeri input method, which is a Japanese input system that employs reverse conversion techniques to suggest possible character combinations based on partial input. The vulnerability stems from improper masking of password fields when the browser processes text input through this specific input method, creating a situation where the actual password content becomes visible to nearby attackers.
The technical implementation issue occurs at the interface level between the browser's input handling system and the operating system's input method framework. When users type passwords using Kotoeri, the browser fails to maintain proper visual masking of the password field during the reverse conversion process, which temporarily displays the actual password characters instead of the standard asterisks or dots. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-200, which deals with information exposure, and represents a specific case of improper output masking during text input operations. The flaw exploits the trust model between the input method and the browser rendering engine, where the browser incorrectly assumes that the input method will not interfere with password field visibility.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant security risk for users in shared or public environments where attackers can physically observe the screen. The attack vector requires only physical proximity to the victim's device, making it particularly dangerous in coffee shops, offices, or any location where users might be working in close proximity to others. The attack is further categorized under ATT&CK technique T1555.004, which covers credentials from password stores, as it provides unauthorized access to password information through visual surveillance rather than traditional credential theft methods. The impact is particularly severe because it bypasses traditional security controls and relies on environmental factors rather than network-based attacks.
The security implications extend beyond simple password exposure, as this vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in how browsers handle input method interactions with sensitive fields. Users may unknowingly expose their credentials without any indication that the password masking has been compromised, leading to potential account takeovers and identity theft. The vulnerability affects not just individual users but also enterprise environments where shared workspaces and public computing facilities are common. Organizations should consider this issue as part of their broader security posture assessment, particularly in environments where physical security controls may be inadequate. The fix implemented by Apple in Safari 3.1 involved proper synchronization between the input method framework and the password field masking mechanism, ensuring that sensitive data remains obscured regardless of the input method being used. This represents a critical lesson in the importance of thorough input method compatibility testing in security-sensitive applications.