CVE-2013-0970 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Messages in Apple Mac OS X before 10.8.3 allows remote attackers to bypass the FaceTime call-confirmation prompt via a crafted FaceTime: URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0970 represents a significant security flaw in Apple Mac OS X versions prior to 10.8.3 that affects the FaceTime calling functionality. This issue stems from inadequate validation of FaceTime URLs, specifically when these URLs are processed through the system's web browser or email client components. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to craft specially formatted FaceTime URLs that can bypass the standard call confirmation prompt that normally appears when users receive FaceTime invitations. This flaw essentially enables unauthorized initiation of FaceTime calls without user consent, creating a serious privacy and security concern for Mac users who may unknowingly participate in calls they never intended to join.
The technical nature of this vulnerability can be categorized under CWE-284, which deals with improper access control, specifically in the context of insufficient verification of user intent during communication initiation. The flaw exists in the URL handling mechanism within the Mac OS X operating system where the system fails to properly validate the authenticity and intent of FaceTime URLs before presenting the call confirmation interface. When a user clicks on a maliciously crafted FaceTime URL, the system processes it without adequate checks to ensure that the URL originates from a legitimate source or that the user has explicitly consented to the call initiation. This processing bypasses the normal security checks that would normally require user interaction before initiating a FaceTime connection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privacy concerns to encompass potential security risks including unauthorized surveillance, social engineering attacks, and unwanted communication exposure. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability by embedding malicious FaceTime URLs in phishing emails, compromised websites, or social media posts, leading to involuntary participation in FaceTime calls where the attacker might attempt to gather information, conduct surveillance, or perform other malicious activities. The vulnerability particularly affects users who frequently interact with web content or email, as the attack can be initiated through simple clicks on compromised links without requiring any special privileges or technical knowledge from the attacker. Users may be unaware they have been targeted until after the call has been initiated, potentially leading to significant privacy violations and security breaches.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate system updates to Mac OS X version 10.8.3 or later, which includes proper URL validation and enhanced security checks for FaceTime invitations. Additionally, users should implement browser security measures such as disabling automatic URL handling for FaceTime links, using security software that can detect and block suspicious URLs, and maintaining awareness of phishing attempts that might exploit this vulnerability. Organizations should consider implementing network-level controls to monitor and block suspicious FaceTime URL traffic, while also ensuring all endpoints are updated with the latest security patches. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and user consent mechanisms in communication applications, and serves as a reminder of the critical need for robust security measures in all system components that handle user interactions and external communications. This issue aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers the exploitation of vulnerabilities in web browsers and applications to gain unauthorized access or execute malicious actions without user knowledge or consent.