CVE-2010-1383 in Safari
Summary
by MITRE
CFNetwork in Apple Safari before 5.0.6 on Windows allows remote web servers to execute arbitrary code by replaying the NTLM credentials of a client user, related to a "credential reflection" issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1383 represents a critical credential reflection flaw within Apple Safari's CFNetwork implementation on Windows platforms. This security weakness specifically affects Safari versions prior to 5.0.6, creating a pathway for remote attackers to exploit NTLM authentication mechanisms and potentially execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The issue stems from how Safari handles authentication credentials during web server interactions, particularly when NTLM authentication is involved in the communication process.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a credential reflection attack vector where malicious web servers can capture and replay NTLM authentication credentials from client systems. When a user accesses a compromised website that employs NTLM authentication, the browser's CFNetwork component inadvertently reflects the user's authentication credentials back to the attacking server. This reflection mechanism bypasses normal security controls and allows attackers to obtain valid authentication tokens that can then be used to impersonate legitimate users within the network environment. The flaw operates at the protocol level where authentication information flows through the browser without proper validation or sanitization of the credential data.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for enterprise environments where Safari is used as a web browser. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform unauthorized access to network resources, escalate privileges, and potentially move laterally within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it an ideal candidate for drive-by attacks. Organizations with Windows-based environments running affected Safari versions face potential compromise of user accounts and sensitive data, especially in scenarios where users have elevated privileges or access to critical systems.
The underlying technical mechanism aligns with CWE-502, which addresses deserialization of untrusted data, and relates to the broader category of authentication bypass vulnerabilities. This flaw also corresponds to techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under credential access and defense evasion tactics. Security professionals should note that the vulnerability demonstrates how improper handling of authentication protocols can create unexpected attack surfaces. The credential reflection behavior essentially transforms legitimate browser functionality into an exploitation vector, highlighting the importance of proper input validation and authentication handling in client-side applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Safari installations to version 5.0.6 or later, which includes fixes for the credential reflection issue. Organizations should also implement network-level controls such as disabling NTLM authentication where possible, configuring firewall rules to restrict access to potentially malicious web servers, and deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious authentication patterns. Additionally, user education regarding safe browsing practices and awareness of phishing attempts remains crucial in preventing exploitation of this vulnerability. Network administrators should consider implementing authentication logging and monitoring to detect unusual credential usage patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.