CVE-2004-1087 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
terminal for apple mac os x 10.3.6 may indicate that "secure keyboard entry" is enabled even when it is not which could result in a false sense of security for the user.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-1087 represents a critical user interface deception flaw in Apple Mac OS X 10.3.6 that undermines the security model designed to protect sensitive input operations. This issue specifically affects the terminal application's visual indication system for secure keyboard entry functionality, which is a fundamental security mechanism intended to prevent keylogging attacks and protect against unauthorized monitoring of password entry. The flaw manifests when the terminal incorrectly displays a visual indicator suggesting that secure keyboard entry is active, while in reality this protection is not functioning, creating a dangerous false sense of security for users who believe their input is being protected.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper state management and visual feedback mechanisms within the terminal application's user interface components. When secure keyboard entry is properly enabled, it should prevent applications from capturing keystrokes and provide visual confirmation to users through specific indicators such as lock icons or status messages. However, the flaw in Mac OS X 10.3.6 causes the system to display these security indicators even when the underlying secure input mechanism is disabled or not functioning correctly. This misrepresentation occurs at the application layer where the user interface components fail to accurately reflect the actual security state of the keyboard input system, creating a discrepancy between the visual security indication and the actual protection level.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple user confusion to represent a significant threat to system security and user awareness. Users who rely on the visual indicators to verify their input security may unknowingly enter passwords or other sensitive information without proper protection, potentially exposing themselves to credential theft and unauthorized access attacks. The false positive security indication creates a dangerous situation where users become complacent about their security posture, believing they are protected when they are not, which fundamentally undermines the security architecture of the operating system. This vulnerability particularly affects scenarios where users interact with network services, remote logins, or applications that require secure credential entry, as the deception could lead to successful credential interception attacks.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses the disclosure of information to unauthorized actors, and represents a specific case of insecure information display that could lead to security misconfiguration or user deception. The issue also relates to ATT&CK technique T1555.004, which covers credentials from password stores, as users may inadvertently provide credentials without proper protection when deceived by the false security indicators. Additionally, this vulnerability demonstrates characteristics of CWE-384, which addresses session management flaws, as the incorrect visual state representation affects the user's perception of their secure session state. The flaw essentially creates a situation where the security system's user feedback mechanisms fail to provide accurate information, leading to potential exploitation through social engineering or direct credential interception attacks. Organizations using Mac OS X 10.3.6 should implement immediate mitigations including user education about the potential for false security indicators, verification of actual secure keyboard entry functionality through system configuration checks, and consideration of alternative authentication methods that do not rely on potentially deceptive visual indicators.
The security implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical importance of accurate user interface feedback in security systems. When security indicators fail to properly represent actual system states, they can create a false sense of security that is often more dangerous than no security indication at all. This flaw demonstrates that even seemingly minor UI components can have significant security implications when they misrepresent system functionality. Users should be trained to verify security features through multiple means rather than relying solely on visual indicators, and system administrators should regularly audit security configurations to ensure that visual feedback mechanisms accurately reflect the actual security posture of their systems. The vulnerability serves as a reminder that security is not just about implementing protective mechanisms, but also about ensuring that users understand and trust the security measures in place.