CVE-2012-3719 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Mail in Apple Mac OS X before 10.7.5 does not properly handle embedded web plugins, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary plugin code via an e-mail message that triggers the loading of a third-party plugin.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-3719 represents a critical security flaw in Apple Mac OS X versions prior to 10.7.5, specifically within the Mail application's handling of embedded web plugins. This issue stems from insufficient validation mechanisms that govern how email clients process and render embedded content, particularly web plugins that are designed to extend browser functionality. The vulnerability operates through a sophisticated attack vector that leverages the trust relationship between email clients and embedded content, allowing malicious actors to bypass normal security boundaries and execute arbitrary code on targeted systems. The flaw essentially creates a pathway for remote code execution through seemingly benign email communications, exploiting the inherent trust users place in email applications to process embedded multimedia elements.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the Mail application encounters email messages containing embedded web plugins, particularly those from third-party sources that are not properly validated or sandboxed. This flaw falls under the category of improper input validation and inadequate sandboxing mechanisms, which are commonly categorized as CWE-20 - Improper Input Validation and CWE-117 - Improper Output Neutralization for Logs. The vulnerability allows attackers to craft specially designed email messages that contain malicious embedded plugins, which when opened by the vulnerable Mail application, automatically trigger the loading and execution of these plugins without proper security checks. The attack exploits the fact that email clients often treat embedded content with less scrutiny than web browsers, creating a security gap that malicious actors can leverage to bypass standard security controls.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-3719 extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a sophisticated method for establishing persistent access to compromised systems. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the context of legitimate email applications that users trust and frequently interact with, making social engineering attacks more effective and harder to detect. The attack chain typically involves sending carefully crafted emails containing embedded malicious plugins that exploit the trust relationship between email clients and embedded content, potentially allowing attackers to establish backdoors, exfiltrate data, or deploy additional malware. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1193 - Spearphishing Attachment, where the initial compromise occurs through email attachments or embedded content that triggers code execution. The impact is particularly severe in enterprise environments where email is a primary communication channel and users may inadvertently trigger the exploit through legitimate business communications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-3719 should focus on both immediate patching and operational security improvements. The most effective solution is to upgrade to Apple Mac OS X 10.7.5 or later versions where Apple has implemented proper validation and sandboxing mechanisms for embedded web plugins. Organizations should also implement email filtering solutions that can detect and block suspicious embedded content, particularly from untrusted sources. Network-level defenses should include monitoring for unusual email traffic patterns and implementing strict content filtering policies that prevent automatic execution of embedded plugins. Security awareness training for users should emphasize the dangers of opening email attachments or clicking on links in suspicious emails, as social engineering remains a critical component of successful exploitation. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that prevent unauthorized plugins from executing, and regularly audit email client configurations to ensure that embedded content is properly sandboxed and restricted. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that protect against multiple attack vectors, as the exploitation of this flaw can lead to complete system compromise and persistent access for attackers.