CVE-2004-0088 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
The System Configuration subsystem in Mac OS 10.2.8 allows local users to modify network settings, a different vulnerability than CVE-2004-0087.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/15/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-0088 represents a significant security flaw within the System Configuration subsystem of Mac OS 10.2.8 that enables local users to manipulate network configuration parameters. This issue resides in the operating system's core infrastructure responsible for managing system-wide settings and configurations, specifically targeting the network subsystem that controls how devices communicate within and across network environments. The vulnerability specifically affects the privilege escalation mechanisms within the system configuration framework, allowing unauthorized local access to modify critical network parameters that should typically require administrative privileges or system-level access.
The technical flaw manifests through improper access controls and privilege validation mechanisms within the System Configuration subsystem. When local users exploit this vulnerability, they can directly manipulate network settings without proper authentication or authorization checks, potentially altering DNS configurations, IP address assignments, gateway settings, and other fundamental network parameters. This weakness stems from inadequate input validation and insufficient privilege separation between user-level processes and system-level configuration management functions. The vulnerability operates at the operating system kernel level, where network configuration changes are processed and applied, making it particularly dangerous as it bypasses normal security boundaries that should protect system integrity.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-0088 extends beyond simple unauthorized configuration changes, creating potential pathways for more sophisticated attacks and network compromise scenarios. Local users who exploit this vulnerability could redirect network traffic through malicious servers, disable security features, or establish persistent network access points that could be leveraged by attackers. This vulnerability particularly threatens network security by enabling attackers to modify routing information, DNS resolution settings, or proxy configurations that could facilitate man-in-the-middle attacks, data interception, or unauthorized network access. The ability to modify network settings without proper authorization creates a persistent threat vector that could remain undetected while providing attackers with ongoing access to network resources and sensitive data.
Organizations and system administrators should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest security patches from Apple, disabling unnecessary network configuration services, and implementing strict access controls to limit local user privileges. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper privilege management, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1546.001 related to system service modifications. Additional protective measures include monitoring network configuration changes, implementing network segmentation, and conducting regular security audits to detect unauthorized modifications to network settings. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of principle of least privilege implementation and proper access control mechanisms within operating system frameworks, particularly those handling critical system configuration parameters that affect network security and data integrity.