CVE-2005-0342 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
the finder in mac os x and earlier allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files and gain privileges by creating a hard link from the .ds_store file to an arbitrary file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/14/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-0342 represents a significant privilege escalation flaw within the Mac OS X operating system and its predecessors. This issue specifically targets the file system handling mechanisms employed by the system's finder application, which is responsible for managing file operations and user interface interactions. The vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of file creation and modification processes, particularly when dealing with .ds_store files that are automatically generated by the system to store directory metadata and user preferences.
The technical flaw manifests through a race condition and symlink manipulation attack vector that allows local attackers to exploit the finder's handling of .ds_store files. When the finder processes directory contents and creates these metadata files, it fails to properly validate whether the target file already exists or whether it represents a symbolic link to another location. Attackers can create a hard link from a specially crafted .ds_store file to a system file or directory that they wish to modify, effectively bypassing normal access controls and permissions. This exploitation technique leverages the fact that the finder application does not properly check for existing file references or validate the integrity of file paths during the creation process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwrites, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate privileges within the system. By strategically placing hard links to critical system files or configuration directories, attackers can modify files that would normally require administrative privileges to alter. This allows for unauthorized modification of system binaries, configuration files, or other sensitive resources that control access and security policies. The vulnerability essentially enables a local user to bypass the standard Unix permission model and gain elevated access rights, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-59: Improper Link Resolution Without Maximum Severity and ATT&CK technique T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation. The issue demonstrates how improper handling of file system references can create opportunities for privilege escalation attacks. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including restricting the ability of users to create hard links to system directories, updating the finder application to properly validate file paths, and implementing proper file system access controls. The recommended approach involves ensuring that .ds_store file creation processes properly detect and reject attempts to create hard links to sensitive system locations, while also implementing file system monitoring to detect suspicious link creation patterns. System administrators should also consider disabling automatic .ds_store file generation in sensitive environments or implementing additional access controls to limit which users can modify system metadata files.