CVE-2003-0490 in Retrospect Client
Summary
by MITRE
The installation of Dantz Retrospect Client 5.0.540 on MacOS X 10.2.6, and possibly other versions, creates critical directories and files with world-writable permissions, which allows local users to gain privileges as other users by replacing programs with malicious code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-0490 represents a critical privilege escalation issue affecting Dantz Retrospect Client version 5.0.540 on MacOS X 10.2.6 and potentially other operating system versions. This flaw stems from improper permission settings during the software installation process, creating security holes that can be exploited by local attackers to elevate their privileges. The vulnerability specifically targets the installation directory structure where critical system components are placed with overly permissive access controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the creation of directories and files with world-writable permissions during the installation of the Retrospect Client software. When software installs with such permissive settings, it creates opportunities for malicious actors to substitute legitimate executable files with malicious code. This particular flaw falls under the category of insecure file permissions and improper access control mechanisms, which are commonly classified as CWE-732 and CWE-276 respectively. The issue demonstrates poor security hygiene in the installation process where the software fails to properly set restrictive permissions on critical system components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Local users who exploit this vulnerability can effectively impersonate other users on the system, potentially gaining access to user accounts, system resources, and confidential information. This represents a significant threat in environments where multiple users share the same system, as it allows for unauthorized privilege elevation without requiring authentication. The vulnerability operates at the system level and can be exploited through standard local access methods, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves privilege escalation through exploitation of system vulnerabilities. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it requires no network access or external authentication, making it a low-effort, high-impact threat. The vulnerability demonstrates how installation processes can introduce security weaknesses that persist long after the initial software deployment. Organizations should consider implementing proper access control policies and regular permission audits to identify similar issues in their software installations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of the affected software version, proper permission auditing of installed software directories, and implementation of automated security monitoring tools. System administrators should verify that critical directories and files created during software installation have appropriate permissions set to prevent world-writable access. Additionally, regular security assessments should be conducted to identify other software installations that may exhibit similar permission-related vulnerabilities. The incident highlights the importance of secure installation practices and proper privilege management in preventing local privilege escalation attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege concepts and regular permission reviews as part of their overall security posture.