CVE-2003-1011 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Apple Mac OS X 10.0 through 10.2.8 allows local users with a USB keyboard to gain unauthorized access by holding down the CTRL and C keys when the system is booting, which crashes the init process and leaves the user in a root shell.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2021
This vulnerability exists in Apple Mac OS X versions 10.0 through 10.2.8 and represents a critical boot-time security flaw that allows local attackers with physical access to bypass system authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically targets the system boot process where the init process becomes compromised when certain keyboard combinations are pressed during startup. This represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the operating system's boot-time security architecture.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves the improper handling of keyboard input during the early boot phase of the operating system. When a user holds down the CTRL and C keys during system boot, the system interprets this input sequence in a way that crashes the init process, which is responsible for initializing the core system services. This crash creates an unintended state where the system drops into a root shell without proper authentication, effectively granting unauthorized administrative access. The vulnerability is classified as a privilege escalation issue under CWE-269 and represents a specific implementation flaw in the system's keyboard input handling during boot.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows any local user with physical access to the system to gain root privileges without requiring any authentication credentials. This creates a significant attack surface since physical access to a Mac system with these vulnerable versions becomes a vector for unauthorized system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in multi-user environments or shared computing scenarios where unauthorized individuals might gain administrative control over systems. This represents a direct violation of the security model that should prevent unauthorized access to system resources.
This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which focuses on the exploitation of system privileges through legitimate system tools or processes. The attack vector demonstrates how legitimate system processes can be manipulated to achieve unauthorized access, which is a common pattern in privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability also relates to T1543 which covers the modification of system boot processes. Organizations should implement physical security measures to prevent unauthorized access to systems, including securing computer rooms and implementing proper access controls. The recommended mitigation involves upgrading to Apple Mac OS X versions that have addressed this specific boot-time keyboard input handling flaw. System administrators should also consider implementing additional physical security measures such as cable locks and restricted access to computer facilities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure boot processes and proper input validation during system initialization, emphasizing that all system components must be properly secured even during the most critical boot phases where the system is most vulnerable to manipulation.