CVE-2005-0970 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Mac OS X 10.3.9 and earlier allows users to install, create, and execute setuid/setgid scripts, contrary to the intended design, which may allow attackers to conduct unauthorized activities with escalated privileges via vulnerable scripts.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/10/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-0970 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw in Mac OS X versions 10.3.9 and earlier. This issue fundamentally undermines the operating system's security model by permitting users to bypass intended restrictions on setuid and setgid script execution. The vulnerability stems from a design flaw in the system's handling of script permissions, where the operating system fails to properly enforce the security restrictions that should prevent non-privileged users from executing scripts with elevated privileges. This behavior directly contradicts the core security principle that setuid and setgid binaries should only be executable by the owner with elevated privileges, not by regular users who could potentially exploit this mechanism for unauthorized access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to create malicious scripts that can run with the privileges of the script owner rather than the user executing them. When a script is marked with setuid or setgid permissions, the system should execute it with the file owner's privileges, typically root or another privileged account. However, the flaw in Mac OS X 10.3.9 and earlier versions permits any user to create such scripts and execute them, effectively allowing privilege escalation attacks. This vulnerability specifically affects the system's interpretation of file permissions and execution contexts, creating a pathway for unauthorized code execution with elevated privileges. The flaw operates at the kernel or system call level where file execution permissions are evaluated, potentially allowing attackers to bypass multiple layers of security controls that should prevent such privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with a straightforward method to escalate privileges without requiring additional exploitation techniques. An attacker with basic user access can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially gaining root access to the system. This capability enables a wide range of malicious activities including system compromise, data exfiltration, privilege escalation to administrative accounts, and persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at a fundamental level of the operating system's privilege model, making it difficult to detect and prevent through traditional security measures. The impact extends beyond immediate system compromise to include potential lateral movement within networks and long-term persistence, as attackers can use the elevated privileges to install backdoors or modify system configurations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0970 primarily involve upgrading to Mac OS X versions that properly implement security restrictions on setuid/setgid scripts. System administrators should immediately apply security patches from Apple to address this vulnerability, as no reliable workarounds exist for the affected versions. The recommended approach includes implementing proper system updates and ensuring that all users operate on patched versions of the operating system. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any existing compromised systems and implement monitoring for unauthorized script creation or execution. Security configurations should enforce strict controls over file permissions and script execution, particularly focusing on preventing users from creating setuid/setgid scripts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which describes improper privileges, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, privilege escalation through local exploits, making it a critical target for security hardening and monitoring efforts.