CVE-2015-7007 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Script Editor in Apple OS X before 10.11.1 allows remote attackers to bypass an intended user-confirmation requirement for AppleScript execution via unspecified vectors.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7007 represents a significant security flaw in Apple's macOS operating system affecting versions prior to 10.11.1. This issue resides within the Script Editor component and specifically targets the user confirmation mechanism that should prevent unauthorized AppleScript execution. The flaw allows remote attackers to circumvent the intended security controls that require explicit user consent before executing potentially malicious scripts, creating a pathway for unauthorized code execution on affected systems.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from an insufficient validation mechanism within the AppleScript execution framework. When AppleScript files are processed by the system, the normal workflow requires user confirmation before execution to prevent accidental or unauthorized script execution. However, the flaw in the Script Editor component enables attackers to bypass this confirmation step through unspecified vectors that likely involve manipulation of script metadata, file attributes, or execution context. This bypass allows malicious scripts to execute automatically without user intervention, effectively neutralizing the security boundary designed to protect users from potentially harmful code.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risk for macOS users and organizations that rely on the operating system's security model. Attackers can leverage this flaw to deliver malicious AppleScript payloads through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or compromised websites. The bypassed confirmation requirement means that users are not prompted to verify script execution, potentially leading to unauthorized system access, data exfiltration, or further exploitation. The remote nature of the attack vector suggests that users can be compromised without direct physical access to their systems, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multiple users may be affected simultaneously.
The security implications extend beyond simple script execution, as AppleScript can interact with system resources and perform actions that would normally require elevated privileges. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-352, which addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery, as it involves an unauthorized action being performed on behalf of a user. Additionally, the flaw demonstrates characteristics of privilege escalation vulnerabilities since it allows attackers to perform actions that should be restricted to authorized users. Organizations using affected macOS versions face potential exposure to various attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under techniques related to social engineering and execution of malicious code through trusted system components.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve updating to macOS 10.11.1 or later versions where Apple has implemented fixes to address the bypass mechanism. System administrators should prioritize patch management and ensure all macOS systems are updated to the latest security releases. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict email filtering policies to prevent malicious script attachments, disabling automatic script execution in web browsers, and educating users about the risks of executing scripts from untrusted sources. Organizations should also consider monitoring for suspicious script execution patterns and implementing application control policies to restrict which scripts can be executed on critical systems. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining current security patches and the potential consequences when security controls designed to protect users are bypassed through implementation flaws.