CVE-2010-1391 in Safari
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in the (a) Local Storage and (b) Web SQL database implementations in WebKit in Apple Safari before 5.0 on Mac OS X 10.5 through 10.6 and Windows, and before 4.1 on Mac OS X 10.4, allow remote attackers to create arbitrary database files via vectors involving a (1) %2f and .. (dot dot) or (2) %5c and .. (dot dot) in a URL.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1391 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within WebKit's implementation of local storage and Web SQL database features in Apple Safari browsers. This security weakness affects multiple operating system versions including Mac OS X 10.5 through 10.6, Windows platforms, and Mac OS X 10.4 with specific version constraints. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and path resolution mechanisms within the browser's database handling components, creating opportunities for malicious actors to manipulate file system access through crafted URL parameters.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through specifically crafted URL sequences containing encoded forward slashes %2f and backslashes %5c combined with directory traversal sequences .. This allows attackers to bypass normal file system access controls and create arbitrary database files in locations outside the intended storage directories. The flaw operates at the core of WebKit's database implementation where URL parsing and path resolution fail to properly sanitize user-supplied input, enabling attackers to manipulate the underlying file system through database creation operations. This represents a classic directory traversal attack vector that leverages the browser's database storage mechanisms as an attack surface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables remote code execution and data manipulation capabilities. Attackers can potentially create malicious database files in system directories, leading to privilege escalation, persistent malware installation, or data corruption. The vulnerability affects the fundamental security model of Safari's local storage implementation, allowing unauthorized file system access that could compromise user data integrity and system security. This weakness particularly impacts users of older operating systems and browser versions where security patches may not have been applied, creating a substantial attack surface for threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1391 involve immediate browser version updates to patched releases of Safari 5.0 for Mac OS X 10.5 through 10.6, Safari 4.1 for Mac OS X 10.4, and appropriate Windows versions. System administrators should implement network-level restrictions to prevent access to potentially malicious URLs and consider deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block directory traversal patterns. Additionally, users should disable local storage and Web SQL database features when not required, and organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected browser versions. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Directory Traversal and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, representing a critical threat to browser-based security models and user data protection mechanisms.