CVE-2005-0715 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
AFP Server in Mac OS X before 10.3.8 uses insecure permissions for "Drop Boxes," which allows local users to read the contents of a Drop Box.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-0715 represents a significant security flaw in the Apple File Protocol server implementation within Mac OS X versions prior to 10.3.8. This issue specifically targets the AFP server's handling of Drop Boxes, which are designated directories intended for file sharing and collaboration between users. The problem stems from improper permission settings that were implemented in the system's file access controls, creating an exploitable gap in the security model that could be leveraged by local attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability affects the core file sharing infrastructure of the operating system, potentially exposing confidential data that users intended to share through these collaborative mechanisms.
The technical flaw manifests through insecure default permissions assigned to Drop Box directories within the AFP server implementation. When local users exploit this vulnerability, they can traverse the file system to access contents of Drop Boxes without proper authentication or authorization. This represents a classic privilege escalation issue where the system fails to properly enforce access controls between different user contexts. The vulnerability specifically relates to the way the AFP server manages directory permissions, allowing unauthorized access to shared directories that should only be accessible to authorized users within the collaboration framework. The issue is classified under CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access controls, demonstrating how inadequate access control mechanisms can lead to information disclosure vulnerabilities.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a serious risk to organizations relying on Mac OS X systems for file sharing and collaboration. Local attackers who gain access to a system can potentially read sensitive files that were meant to be shared within controlled environments, leading to data leakage and potential intellectual property theft. The impact extends beyond individual user privacy concerns to organizational security, as Drop Boxes often contain confidential business information, research data, or proprietary materials that could be valuable to competitors or malicious actors. The vulnerability undermines the trust model of the file sharing system and could potentially be used as a stepping stone for further attacks within the network environment. Security professionals must consider this vulnerability when assessing the overall security posture of macOS systems and implementing appropriate access control measures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0715 should prioritize immediate system updates to Mac OS X 10.3.8 or later versions where Apple addressed the permission issues in the AFP server implementation. System administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of existing Drop Box configurations to identify any improperly secured directories and implement proper access controls using the updated system permissions. The remediation process should include verifying that all shared directories adhere to the principle of least privilege, ensuring that only authorized users have access to specific Drop Box contents. Additionally, organizations should implement monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts to shared directories and establish proper logging mechanisms to track file access patterns. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation, emphasizing the importance of proper access control enforcement in preventing unauthorized data access through legitimate system interfaces.