Don't go there GURLfriend! fixes the help:// exploit in Safari which can allow for remote code execution.
What's New
Version 1.1:
Patches more occurances of the exploit, making it virtually impossible to use the OpenApp help:// expoit.
Now, as an extra security measure, patching will also disable Safari's automatic opening of "Safe" files. The user can turn this potentially dangerous feature back on in the Safari Preferences.
Requirements
PPC, Mac OS X 10.1 or later.
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Now that apple's released a fix themselves, everyone just click restore at some point, and everything will be as it was. It was a fun ride, and I'm glad to have helped anyone DGTGF helped. Apple's patch seems to be great.
[Version 1.1]
Anonymousreviewed on 20 May 2004
(via MacInTouch.com)
The simplest fix for the Help system code execution vulnerability is to run the following in Terminal:
This does not stop disk images from downloading but any malicious payload cannot run without user intervention.
[Version 1.1]
Anonymousreviewed on 19 May 2004
Hopefully Apple will fix this properly instead of just patching this particular case, by separating the internet type/resource bindings completely away from launchservices.
[Version 1.1]
Anonymousreviewed on 19 May 2004
The only thing you need to do is:
1) Open up your moldy old copy of Explorer 5.2
2) Go to preferences->network->protocol helpers and change it to Finder or Chess or whatever
3) Quit Explorer and go back to Safari
(5/19/2004, Version: 1.1)
[Version 1.1]
Anonymousreviewed on 19 May 2004
I woiuldn not be too complacent about using a Mozilla or other non aplle webkit based browser. I use Firefox as my main browser with the stock security settings.
I visited here:
http://bronosky.com/pub/AppleScript.htm
...and up popped the help app, followed by a terminal window executing a command I did not tell it to run.
Do not assume you are safe unless you have checked to see that you are.
Hopefully apple will fix this in a timely fashion before somone nasty decides to do something nasty.
[Version 1.0]
1 Reply
Anonymouscommented on 19 May 2004
The only thing you need to do is:
1) Open up your moldy old copy of Explorer 5.2
2) Go to preferences->network->protocol helpers and change it to Finder or Chess or whatever
3) Quit Explorer and go back to Safari
Anonymousreviewed on 19 May 2004
Guys,
Why don't people just use firefox and disable the helpers in the preferences - I went to the kerberos site mentioned above and all it launched was the help app, not kerberos. I believe that's a fix, no???
[Version 1.0]
Anonymousreviewed on 19 May 2004
to see if you are vulnerable, go tho this url:
http://tinyurl.com/2lwzk
if Kerberos launches, you are vulnerable
[Version 1.0]
Anonymousreviewed on 18 May 2004
I am looking at this Safari exploit as Mac users usually look at Windows users when struck with Virus. I use Firefox and am in now way affected by this. I'd recommend Firefox to ANYONE over Safari...best browser in any platform...period.
[Version 1.0]
2 Replies
Anonymouscommented on 19 May 2004
Hey moron - it's fundamental to the Mac OS. Safari, IE, Camino, Firefox, Opera, the works!
Anonymouscommented on 19 May 2004
Firefox is admittedly a nice browser, but it runs a little slow, at least on my 800MHz iBook.
The latest installment of Camino (0.8b) runs nice and fast.
Anonymousreviewed on 18 May 2004
It does what it says. Read the comment below by the developer for extra security.
[Version 1.0]
Anonymousreviewed on 18 May 2004
This one only disables a part of the script that runs terminal commands. I wouldn't disable the entire help:// helper entirely, because help viewer and other apps do use it.
I would STRONGLY recommend, in addition, unchecking Open "Safe" Files in Safari's preferences.
If there's anything else you think this app should do, let me know
[Version 1.0]
There are currently no troubleshooting comments. If you are experiencing a problem with this app, please post a comment.
Anonymous reviewed on 21 May 2004
Anonymous reviewed on 20 May 2004
The simplest fix for the Help system code execution vulnerability is to run the following in Terminal:
sudo defaults write /System/Library/CoreServices/Help Viewer.app/Contents/Info NSAppleScriptEnabled -bool 'no'
This does not stop disk images from downloading but any malicious payload cannot run without user intervention.
Anonymous reviewed on 19 May 2004
Anonymous reviewed on 19 May 2004
1) Open up your moldy old copy of Explorer 5.2
2) Go to preferences->network->protocol helpers and change it to Finder or Chess or whatever
3) Quit Explorer and go back to Safari
(5/19/2004, Version: 1.1)
Anonymous reviewed on 19 May 2004
I visited here:
http://bronosky.com/pub/AppleScript.htm
...and up popped the help app, followed by a terminal window executing a command I did not tell it to run.
Do not assume you are safe unless you have checked to see that you are.
Hopefully apple will fix this in a timely fashion before somone nasty decides to do something nasty.
1) Open up your moldy old copy of Explorer 5.2
2) Go to preferences->network->protocol helpers and change it to Finder or Chess or whatever
3) Quit Explorer and go back to Safari
Anonymous reviewed on 19 May 2004
Why don't people just use firefox and disable the helpers in the preferences - I went to the kerberos site mentioned above and all it launched was the help app, not kerberos. I believe that's a fix, no???
Anonymous reviewed on 19 May 2004
http://tinyurl.com/2lwzk
if Kerberos launches, you are vulnerable
Anonymous reviewed on 18 May 2004
The latest installment of Camino (0.8b) runs nice and fast.
Anonymous reviewed on 18 May 2004
Anonymous reviewed on 18 May 2004
I would STRONGLY recommend, in addition, unchecking Open "Safe" Files in Safari's preferences.
If there's anything else you think this app should do, let me know