CVE-2003-0880 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Unknown vulnerability in Mac OS X before 10.3 allows local users to access Dock functions from behind Screen Effects when Full Keyboard Access is enabled using the Keyboard pane in System Preferences.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2019
This vulnerability exists in Mac OS X versions prior to 10.3 and represents a significant security flaw related to the interaction between system accessibility features and user interface components. The issue specifically manifests when Full Keyboard Access is enabled through the Keyboard pane in System Preferences, creating an unexpected pathway for local users to bypass normal screen protection mechanisms. The Dock functions become accessible even when screen effects are active, which typically should prevent such interactions to maintain system security and user privacy.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper access control mechanisms within the Mac OS X graphical user interface framework. When Full Keyboard Access is enabled, the system should maintain strict boundaries between protected screen elements and user interface components. However, the flaw allows keyboard navigation to penetrate through screen effects to reach Dock functions that should remain protected. This represents a violation of the principle of least privilege and demonstrates inadequate boundary checking between system security layers. The vulnerability specifically affects the interaction between accessibility features and the Dock component, creating an unexpected attack surface that local users can exploit.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is particularly concerning for environments where security is paramount, as it allows local users to potentially access system functions that should remain restricted. An attacker with local access could leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to Dock functionality, which might provide insights into system configuration, access to applications, or even serve as a stepping stone for further exploitation. The vulnerability essentially undermines the security model that protects users from unintended interactions when screen effects are active, potentially exposing sensitive system operations to unauthorized access. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-284, which deals with improper access control, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting local system privileges to gain elevated access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates to Mac OS X 10.3 or later versions where the issue has been addressed through proper access control implementations. System administrators should ensure that all Mac OS X systems are updated to the latest available versions to prevent exploitation of this flaw. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling Full Keyboard Access when it is not required for accessibility purposes, as this reduces the attack surface. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper security testing for accessibility features, as these components often require special handling to maintain system integrity while providing necessary user functionality. Regular security assessments should include testing of accessibility features to ensure they do not introduce unintended security gaps. Organizations should also implement monitoring to detect unusual access patterns to system components that might indicate exploitation attempts.