CVE-2004-0824 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
PPPDialer for Mac OS X 10.2.8 through 10.3.5 allows local users to overwrite system files via a symlink attack on PPPDialer log files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0824 affects PPPDialer functionality within Mac OS X versions 10.2.8 through 10.3.5, representing a significant security flaw that enables local attackers to manipulate system file permissions through symbolic link exploitation. This issue stems from improper handling of log file creation processes within the PPPDialer application, which operates as a network connection utility for dial-up internet access. The vulnerability specifically targets the temporary file creation mechanism used by PPPDialer when generating log entries during network connection establishment, creating opportunities for privilege escalation and system compromise.
The technical flaw manifests when PPPDialer creates log files in predictable locations without proper validation of existing file references. Local users can exploit this by creating symbolic links with the same names as expected log files in directories where PPPDialer operates. When the application attempts to write to these log files, it follows the symbolic link and writes data to arbitrary locations specified by the attacker, potentially overwriting critical system files or configuration data. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-376, which describes improper handling of symbolic links, and represents a classic privilege escalation vector through insecure temporary file creation. The underlying mechanism operates at the operating system level where file system permissions and process execution contexts intersect, creating opportunities for unauthorized file modifications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwrites, as it enables attackers to modify critical system components that control network connectivity and user authentication. An attacker could potentially overwrite system binaries, configuration files, or security-related data that would compromise the integrity of the entire operating system. The vulnerability affects the fundamental security model of Mac OS X by allowing local users to bypass normal permission checks and modify system resources that should only be accessible to privileged processes. This creates a persistent threat vector that could be exploited by malicious local users or potentially by malware that gains local access to system resources. The exploitation requires local system access but provides significant privileges that could lead to complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate system patching and process hardening measures. Apple released security updates that addressed the symbolic link handling in PPPDialer by implementing proper file validation and creation mechanisms that prevent the exploitation of predictable file paths. System administrators should ensure all Mac OS X systems within their environment are updated to versions that contain the patched PPPDialer implementation. Additional protective measures include monitoring for suspicious file creation patterns in system directories, implementing proper file system permissions for temporary locations, and conducting regular security audits of network utilities and system processes. Organizations should also consider implementing privilege separation techniques and monitoring for unauthorized symbolic link creation in critical system directories. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper file handling in system utilities and the necessity of following secure coding practices that prevent race conditions and symbolic link attacks, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for privilege escalation through file system manipulation.