CVE-2008-3638 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Java on Apple Mac OS X 10.5.4 and 10.5.5 does not prevent applets from accessing file:// URLs, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary programs.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-3638 represents a critical security flaw in the Java runtime environment implementation on Apple Mac OS X versions 10.5.4 and 10.5.5. This issue stems from insufficient sandboxing mechanisms within the Java plugin component that governs how applets interact with local file systems. The flaw specifically manifests when Java applets attempt to access file:// URLs, which should normally be restricted to prevent unauthorized file system operations. The vulnerability creates a path for remote attackers to bypass security boundaries and execute arbitrary code on affected systems, effectively undermining the fundamental security model that separates trusted application execution from potentially malicious code.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-250, which addresses "Execute Code from Untrusted Input" and specifically relates to inadequate access control mechanisms in software systems. The flaw operates by exploiting the Java plugin's failure to properly enforce security policies when processing file:// URLs, allowing malicious applets to gain access to the local file system without proper authorization. This represents a classic sandbox escape scenario where the security boundaries established by the operating system and Java runtime are circumvented through improper URL handling. The vulnerability exists at the intersection of web browser security, Java applet execution, and operating system privilege management, creating a dangerous convergence that enables remote code execution.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations using affected Mac OS X versions, as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary programs with the privileges of the user running the browser. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential data theft, system compromise, and lateral movement within networks. Attackers could craft malicious web pages that, when visited by users, would automatically download and execute harmful payloads without user intervention. The vulnerability's exploitation requires no special privileges or local access, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through standard web browsing activities, effectively turning any web-connected system into a potential attack vector.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with several ATT&CK tactics including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling Java applets in web browsers, updating to patched versions of Mac OS X, and implementing network-based controls to restrict access to potentially malicious web content. System administrators should also consider deploying application whitelisting solutions and monitoring for suspicious file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the critical need for proper sandboxing implementations in cross-platform applications that handle untrusted content from web sources.