CVE-2008-2306 in Safari
Summary
by MITRE
Apple Safari before 3.1.2 on Windows does not properly interpret the URLACTION_SHELL_EXECUTE_HIGHRISK Internet Explorer zone setting, which allows remote attackers to bypass intended access restrictions, and force a client system to download and execute arbitrary files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-2306 represents a significant security flaw in Apple Safari browser version 3.1.1 and earlier on Windows platforms. This issue stems from the browser's improper handling of Internet Explorer zone settings, specifically the URLACTION_SHELL_EXECUTE_HIGHRISK parameter that controls execution restrictions for high-risk shell operations. The flaw exists within the browser's security model implementation where Safari fails to correctly interpret these zone settings that are typically enforced by the Windows Internet Explorer security framework. This misinterpretation creates a pathway for malicious actors to circumvent the intended security boundaries that should prevent automatic execution of potentially harmful files.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves the browser's failure to properly validate and enforce the security policies that govern how different zones within the Windows Internet Explorer framework should behave. When a user visits a malicious website, the browser should respect the URLACTION_SHELL_EXECUTE_HIGHRISK setting which typically prevents automatic execution of high-risk shell commands or file downloads. However, Safari's implementation does not adequately process this security parameter, allowing attackers to craft web content that forces the browser to automatically download and execute arbitrary files without user consent or proper security checks. This behavior violates fundamental security principles of zone-based access control that are standard in Windows security architecture.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables remote code execution attacks that can compromise user systems without requiring any special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. Attackers can leverage this flaw to deliver malware payloads, including viruses, trojans, or other malicious software that gets automatically executed on the victim's system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the browser level and can bypass traditional security measures that rely on zone-based restrictions. This makes it especially effective for phishing attacks, drive-by downloads, and other attack vectors where the attacker seeks to silently install malicious software on target systems.
The security implications extend beyond simple file execution, as this vulnerability can be exploited to establish persistent access to compromised systems. The flaw aligns with attack patterns documented in the attack mitigation framework where browsers fail to properly enforce security boundaries that are fundamental to operating system security models. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper security policy enforcement across different software components and highlights how browser security can be undermined by incorrect interpretation of underlying operating system security mechanisms. Organizations using affected Safari versions face significant risk of compromise, as this vulnerability can be exploited through standard web browsing activities without requiring any specialized attack techniques or user deception beyond simply visiting malicious websites.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate upgrade to Safari 3.1.2 or later versions where the security flaw has been addressed. System administrators should also implement additional security measures such as browser security policies, network-based filtering, and user education about avoiding suspicious websites. The vulnerability relates to CWE-284, which describes improper access control, and can be addressed through proper implementation of security policies that ensure consistent enforcement of zone-based restrictions across all browser components. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to provide additional protection layers against exploitation attempts. Regular security updates and patch management processes are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.