CVE-2008-1011 in Safari
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in WebKit, as used in Apple Safari before 3.1, allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a frame that calls a method instance in another frame.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1011 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the WebKit rendering engine that powered Apple Safari browsers prior to version 3.1. This security weakness stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the browser's frame communication protocols, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code within the context of a victim's browsing session. The vulnerability specifically exploits the way WebKit handles method calls between different frame instances, allowing attackers to craft malicious payloads that can be executed when users navigate to compromised web pages.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability occurs through the improper handling of cross-frame communication mechanisms within the browser's JavaScript execution environment. When a web page contains a frame that attempts to invoke a method on another frame instance, the WebKit engine fails to adequately sanitize the method names or parameters being passed between these frame contexts. This flaw falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically manifesting as a reflected XSS variant where the malicious payload is injected through the frame communication channel rather than traditional input fields or URL parameters. The vulnerability enables attackers to bypass standard security controls that typically protect against XSS attacks by leveraging the browser's legitimate frame interaction capabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-1011 extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with the ability to manipulate the entire browser environment and potentially access sensitive user data. When exploited, this vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute malicious JavaScript code that can read cookies, modify page content, redirect users to malicious sites, or even steal session tokens. The attack vector requires victims to visit a compromised webpage containing the malicious frame structure, but once executed, the malicious code operates with the privileges and permissions of the victim's current browser session. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or when users visit compromised websites that leverage the frame-based attack mechanism.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566 for Phishing, as it enables attackers to deliver malicious payloads through web-based attack vectors. The remediation strategy involves updating to Safari version 3.1 or later, which includes proper input validation for frame communication methods and enhanced sanitization of cross-frame interactions. Organizations should also implement Content Security Policy headers, enable strict frame loading restrictions, and conduct regular security assessments of web applications to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of visiting untrusted websites remains crucial in mitigating the potential impact of such browser-based attacks that exploit fundamental rendering engine flaws.