CVE-2008-1006 in Safari
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in WebCore, as used in Apple Safari before 3.1, allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML by using the window.open function to change the security context of a web page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1006 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Apple Safari's WebCore rendering engine prior to version 3.1. This security weakness stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that govern how the browser handles window.open function calls, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate the security context of web pages through carefully crafted script injections. The vulnerability specifically exploits the browser's handling of JavaScript window.open functionality, which should normally enforce strict security boundaries between different origins and contexts.
The technical exploitation of this XSS vulnerability occurs when a malicious web page utilizes the window.open function to manipulate the security context of a target page, effectively bypassing the browser's intended security model. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that leverage this flaw to inject arbitrary HTML and JavaScript code into web pages viewed by unsuspecting users. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe because it operates at the core rendering engine level, affecting all web content processed by Safari before version 3.1 and undermining fundamental security principles of web browser sandboxing. This flaw aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, and demonstrates how improper input handling can create persistent security weaknesses in browser implementations.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability extend beyond simple script injection, as it enables attackers to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive user data, redirect users to malicious websites, and execute arbitrary commands within the victim's browser context. Users visiting compromised websites could have their cookies, login credentials, and personal information exfiltrated without their knowledge, while the vulnerability could also facilitate the delivery of malware through drive-by downloads. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns and social engineering attacks. This vulnerability directly impacts the CIA triad by compromising both confidentiality and integrity of user data, while also potentially affecting availability through malicious redirection attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of Safari browsers to version 3.1 or later, which included fixes addressing the window.open security context handling. Organizations should implement comprehensive browser update policies and maintain awareness of vulnerable browser versions in their networks. Additional defensive measures include implementing content security policies, deploying web application firewalls, and conducting regular security assessments of web applications to identify and remediate similar XSS vulnerabilities. The remediation process should also include user education about avoiding untrusted websites and maintaining updated browser software. This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper security context management in browser engines and serves as a reminder of the critical need for continuous security testing and patch management in web browser implementations. The flaw demonstrates how seemingly minor function calls can create significant security risks when proper validation and sanitization mechanisms are absent from core browser components, emphasizing the need for robust security architectures in all software development processes.