CVE-2004-1084 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
apache for apple mac os x 10.2.8 and 10.3.6 allows remote attackers to read files and resource fork content via http requests to certain special file names related to multiple data streams in hfs+ which bypass apache file handles.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/27/2019
This vulnerability exists in Apache HTTP Server versions running on Apple Mac OS X 10.2.8 and 10.3.6 systems where the server fails to properly handle special file names in HFS+ file systems. The flaw allows remote attackers to bypass Apache's file handling mechanisms by crafting HTTP requests that target specific HFS+ data stream names, enabling unauthorized access to files and resource fork content that should otherwise be protected. The vulnerability stems from Apache's inability to correctly interpret and sanitize file paths that contain HFS+ specific naming conventions, particularly those related to resource forks and metadata streams that are normally hidden from standard file access methods. This represents a classic case of insufficient input validation and inadequate file system abstraction handling in web server software.
The technical exploitation occurs when attackers send HTTP requests containing specially crafted file names that correspond to HFS+ data streams, such as those prefixed with double colons or other special characters that the underlying file system recognizes as resource fork identifiers. Apache's file handling logic does not properly normalize or validate these paths before attempting to access the underlying file system, allowing the server to traverse into resource forks and access content that would normally be restricted. This bypasses standard file access controls and Apache's built-in security mechanisms designed to prevent directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability specifically affects the interaction between Apache's file handling code and HFS+ file system semantics, creating a gap where file system level access controls are not properly enforced at the application layer. This issue aligns with CWE-22 Directory Traversal and CWE-73 Path Traversal, where improper input validation leads to unauthorized access to restricted file system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows remote attackers to access sensitive data that may include system configuration files, user data, and application resources that should remain protected. Attackers can potentially read system files, user documents, and application data that resides in resource forks or other HFS+ specific data streams. This could lead to information disclosure, system compromise, and potential escalation of privileges depending on what sensitive data is accessible through these bypass mechanisms. The vulnerability affects systems where Apache serves content from HFS+ volumes, particularly in environments where Mac OS X servers host web applications or file sharing services. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require local system access, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where the web server is exposed to untrusted users.
Mitigation strategies should focus on updating to patched versions of Apache that properly handle HFS+ file system conventions and implement proper input validation for file paths. System administrators should ensure that Apache installations on Mac OS X systems are updated to versions that address this specific file system interaction issue. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and file system permissions can help limit the damage if exploitation occurs. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to restrict access to the web server from untrusted networks. The use of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security audits should verify that file system access controls are properly configured and that no unnecessary file system access is granted to web server processes. Organizations should also consider implementing proper logging and monitoring of file access patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper file system abstraction in web server implementations and the need for comprehensive testing across different operating system file systems to ensure proper security controls are maintained.