CVE-2011-3229 in Safari
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Apple Safari before 5.1.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code, in a Safari Extensions context, via a crafted safari-extension: URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2011-3229 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in Apple Safari browsers prior to version 5.1.1 that specifically targets the handling of safari-extension: URLs. This vulnerability exists within the browser's extension management system and demonstrates how improper input validation can lead to arbitrary code execution in a privileged context. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate the browser's extension loading mechanism through carefully crafted URLs that exploit path traversal techniques to access and execute malicious JavaScript code within the Safari Extensions framework.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of safari-extension: URLs that are used to reference browser extensions. When Safari processes these URLs, it fails to properly sanitize or restrict the paths that can be accessed through the extension protocol, enabling attackers to traverse the file system and load malicious code. This directory traversal occurs within the context of Safari Extensions, which operate with elevated privileges and access to user data, making the potential impact significantly more severe than typical web-based vulnerabilities. The vulnerability maps to CWE-22 Directory Traversal and CWE-94 Code Injection, as it combines path manipulation with code execution in a privileged execution environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete browser compromise and potential user data exposure. Attackers can leverage this flaw to install malicious extensions, modify existing extensions, or inject arbitrary JavaScript code that can monitor user activity, steal credentials, or perform other malicious actions within the browser environment. The Safari Extensions context provides access to sensitive user data and browser functionality, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for users who have installed extensions that require elevated permissions. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1176 Browser Extensions, as it exploits browser extension mechanisms to achieve persistence and maintain access to compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3229 primarily focus on immediate browser updates to version 5.1.1 or later, which contain the necessary patches to prevent the directory traversal in safari-extension: URL handling. System administrators should ensure all user browsers are updated and consider implementing additional security measures such as extension whitelisting policies and monitoring for unusual extension behavior. Organizations should also review their browser security configurations and consider implementing content security policies that restrict the execution of potentially malicious code within extension contexts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in browser extension systems, emphasizing that extension loading mechanisms must properly validate and sanitize all input sources to prevent path traversal attacks that could lead to arbitrary code execution in privileged contexts.