CVE-2008-1007 in Safari
Summary
by MITRE
WebCore, as used in Apple Safari before 3.1, does not enforce the frame navigation policy for Java applets, which allows remote attackers to conduct cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1007 represents a critical security flaw in Apple Safari's WebCore rendering engine that existed prior to version 3.1. This issue stems from inadequate enforcement of frame navigation policies specifically for Java applets, creating a significant avenue for malicious actors to execute cross-site scripting attacks. The flaw fundamentally compromises the browser's security model by allowing unauthorized code execution within the context of trusted web applications. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple script injection as it leverages the trust relationship between the browser and Java applet execution environments, enabling attackers to bypass fundamental security boundaries that should protect users from malicious content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the WebCore component's failure to properly validate and enforce navigation policies when Java applets attempt to navigate frames or windows within the browser environment. This represents a direct violation of the same-origin policy that forms the cornerstone of web security architecture. When Safari processes Java applets, the browser fails to enforce the expected security constraints that would normally prevent an applet from navigating to arbitrary frames or windows, particularly when those targets contain different security domains. The flaw operates through the browser's frame management system where Java applets can manipulate frame navigation without proper policy enforcement, creating an attack surface that allows malicious code to inject scripts into other frames or windows.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables attackers to execute cross-site scripting attacks that can compromise user sessions and access sensitive data. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that contain Java applets designed to navigate to other frames within the browser, potentially injecting malicious scripts into trusted domains. This creates a vector for session hijacking, data theft, and further exploitation of user credentials within the browser environment. The vulnerability particularly affects users who visit compromised websites or are directed to malicious content through social engineering campaigns, as the attack requires only a single compromised page to establish the exploit chain. Users with active sessions on legitimate websites become vulnerable to attacks that can escalate to full system compromise through additional exploitation techniques.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability require immediate patching of Safari browsers to version 3.1 or later, which implements proper frame navigation policy enforcement for Java applets. Organizations should also implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious frame navigation patterns. The fix addresses the underlying CWE-79 issue related to cross-site scripting vulnerabilities by properly enforcing security boundaries within the browser's frame management system. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script-based attacks and T1566 for social engineering, as it enables attackers to deliver malicious content that exploits browser security flaws to execute arbitrary code in user contexts. System administrators should also consider implementing browser hardening policies that restrict Java applet execution and monitor for unusual frame navigation patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper security boundary enforcement in web browsers and the critical need for comprehensive security testing of browser components that handle third-party content execution.