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Apple Mac OS X WebKit deallocated object access vulnerability

Vulnerability Note VU#848960

Original Release Date: 2006-11-29 | Last Revised: 2007-01-15

Overview

Apple Safari WebKit fails to properly deallocate objects. This vulnerability may allow a remote, unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code.

Description

According to Apple:

WebKit is the open source core of Apple's Safari web browser. It is available as a framework in Mac OS X for use in your applications.
More information about WebKit is available at the WebKit Project web site.

The Apple Safari WebKit component fails to properly dispose of deallocated objects. If a remote attacker persuades a user to access a specially crafted web page with Safari, that attacker may be able to cause that user to access a deallocated object leading to memory corruption.

Note that this vulnerability may affect any software that uses WebKit.

Impact

A remote, unauthenticated attacker may be able to execute arbitrary code.

Solution

Apply Apple Updates
Apple advises all users to apply Apple Security Update 2006-007, as it fixes this and other critical security flaws.

Vendor Information

848960
 
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References

Acknowledgements

This vulnerability was reported in Apple Security Update 2006-007. Apple credits Tom Ferris of Security-Protocols with providing information about this vulnerability.

This document was written by Jeff Gennari based on information from Apple and Security-Protocols.

Other Information

CVE IDs: CVE-2006-4412
Severity Metric: 15.80
Date Public: 2006-11-28
Date First Published: 2006-11-29
Date Last Updated: 2007-01-15 11:32 UTC
Document Revision: 14

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