Apple Mac OS X _MACOSX ZIP archive shell command execution

macosx-zip-command-execution (24808) The risk level is classified as HighHigh Risk

Description:

Apple Mac OS X could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary shell commands on the system, caused by improper handling of meta data within the "_MACOSX" folder in a ZIP archive. A remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by persuading a victim to visit a malicious Web page or by sending a malicious HTML email attachment.

Note: In certain configurations, this vulnerability can be exploited automatically through Apple Safari or Apple Mail.

Platforms Affected:

  • Apple, Mac OS X 10.4.5
  • Apple, Mac OS X Server 10.4.5

Remedy:

Apply Apple Security Update 2006-002, available from the Apple Web site. See References.

As a workaround, disable the "Open safe files after downloading" option in Safari Web browser.

Consequences:

Gain Access

References:

  • Apple Security Update 2006-002, About Security Update 2006-002 at http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303453.
  • Apple Web site, Apple - Support - Downloads at http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/.
  • heise online news 21.02.2006 21:05, Security hole in Mac OS X also affects Apple Mail at http://www.heise.de/english/newsticker/news/69919.
  • BID-16736: Apple Mac OS X Archive Metadata Command Execution Vulnerability
  • CVE-2006-0848: The Open safe files after downloading option in Safari on Apple Mac OS X allows remote user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary commands by tricking a user into downloading a __MACOSX folder that contains metadata (resource fork) that invokes the Terminal, which automatically interprets the script using bash, as demonstrated using a ZIP file that contains a script with a safe file extension.
  • FrSIRT/ADV-2006-0671: Apple Mac OS X Metadata Handling Remote Shell Execution Vulnerability
  • OSVDB ID: 23510: Apple Safari ZIP Archive File Extension Mismatch Arbitrary File Execution
  • SA18963: Mac OS X File Association Meta Data Shell Script Execution
  • SECTRACK ID: 1015652: Apple Safari Lets Remote Users Cause Shell Code to Be Executed by the Target User
  • US-CERT VU#999708: Apple Safari automatically executes arbitrary shell commands or code

Reported:

Feb 21, 2006

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