CVE-2002-1270 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Mac OS X 10.2.2 allows local users to read files that only allow write access via the map_fd() Mach system call.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/19/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-1270 represents a significant privilege escalation flaw in Mac OS X 10.2.2 that exploits a weakness in the Mach kernel's memory management system. This issue specifically affects the map_fd() system call which is responsible for mapping file descriptors to memory regions within the Mach microkernel architecture. The flaw allows local attackers with write permissions on specific files to bypass normal access controls and gain read access to those files through improper handling of the memory mapping operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate permission checking within the Mach kernel's map_fd() function. When a process attempts to map a file descriptor to memory using this system call, the kernel fails to properly validate whether the calling process has sufficient privileges to read the target file, despite the file being configured with write-only permissions. This misconfiguration creates a pathway where local users can exploit the system's memory management mechanisms to access data they should not be able to read. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level and leverages the fundamental memory management capabilities of the operating system's microkernel architecture.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it fundamentally undermines the security model of Mac OS X 10.2.2 by enabling unauthorized data access through legitimate kernel interfaces. Attackers can potentially access sensitive system files, configuration data, or user information that should remain protected. This weakness can be exploited by local users who have already gained write access to specific files, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may have elevated privileges or where file permissions are not strictly enforced. The vulnerability affects the integrity of the system's access control mechanisms and could potentially be combined with other exploits to achieve more significant compromises.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems, and demonstrates how kernel-level implementation flaws can create severe security implications. From an ATT&CK perspective, this issue relates to privilege escalation techniques where adversaries leverage system call vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to resources. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it requires minimal privileges to execute, as users only need write access to target files rather than full system access. System administrators should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of Mac OS X, reviewing file permissions, and monitoring for suspicious system call usage patterns. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing stricter access controls and regularly auditing system configurations to prevent exploitation of similar kernel-level vulnerabilities that may exist in other operating system components.