CVE-2009-2842 in Safari
Summary
by MITRE
Apple Safari before 4.0.4 does not properly implement certain (1) Open Image and (2) Open Link menu options, which allows remote attackers to read local HTML files via a crafted web site.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2842 represents a critical security flaw in Apple Safari web browser versions prior to 4.0.4, specifically affecting the browser's handling of Open Image and Open Link menu options. This weakness stems from insufficient implementation of security controls that should prevent unauthorized access to local system resources through web-based attacks. The flaw enables remote attackers to exploit the browser's menu options to read local HTML files, creating a significant vector for information disclosure and potential further exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental failure in the browser's security model, particularly in how it processes user interactions with local file system resources through web interfaces.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of file access requests within Safari's menu system. When users interact with the Open Image or Open Link options, the browser fails to properly validate or sanitize the file paths being accessed, allowing malicious web pages to craft specific requests that can traverse local file system boundaries. This issue falls under the category of improper access control and privilege escalation, with the underlying cause being inadequate input validation and file system boundary enforcement. The flaw operates at the application layer, exploiting the browser's user interface components rather than core network protocols, making it particularly insidious as it leverages legitimate browser functionality for malicious purposes.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risk for users who browse the internet with affected Safari versions, as it allows attackers to access local HTML files that may contain sensitive information or system data. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as these local files might contain configuration data, cached content, or other potentially sensitive information that could be used in subsequent attacks. The vulnerability enables attackers to perform reconnaissance activities without requiring direct system access or elevated privileges, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users browse untrusted websites. This flaw directly impacts the principle of least privilege and demonstrates how browser-based attacks can bypass traditional network security controls by exploiting application-level weaknesses.
The security implications of CVE-2009-2842 align with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566 Phishing, as attackers can craft malicious websites that exploit this vulnerability to access local resources. The issue also relates to CWE-200 Information Exposure and CWE-79 Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, as the vulnerability stems from improper handling of user-supplied data within the browser's menu system. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including mandatory browser updates to Safari 4.0.4 or later versions, along with user education about the risks of visiting untrusted websites. Network security controls such as web proxies and content filtering solutions should also be configured to restrict access to potentially malicious sites, while endpoint security measures should monitor for suspicious file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.