CVE-2005-1340 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
The HTTP proxy service in Server Admin for Mac OS X 10.3.9 does not restrict access when it is enabled, which allows remote attackers to use the proxy.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/02/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1340 resides within the HTTP proxy service component of Server Admin for Mac OS X 10.3.9, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of network access controls. This issue specifically affects the server administration software suite that was prevalent in the early 2000s, where the proxy service was designed to function as an intermediary between client requests and web resources. The flaw manifests when administrators enable the proxy functionality, yet fail to implement proper access restrictions that would normally prevent unauthorized external entities from leveraging this service. This represents a fundamental failure in the software's security architecture, where the default configuration leaves the proxy service exposed to potential exploitation by remote attackers.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the absence of authentication and authorization mechanisms within the HTTP proxy implementation. When the proxy service is activated, it operates without proper access controls, allowing any remote entity to establish connections through the system's proxy interface. This configuration creates an attack surface that directly violates the principle of least privilege, where services should only be accessible to authorized users and processes. The flaw can be categorized under CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, specifically focusing on inadequate permissions for system resources. Attackers can exploit this weakness to perform various malicious activities including traffic interception, data manipulation, and potentially using the compromised proxy as a pivot point for further network exploration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, creating significant risks for organizations relying on Mac OS X 10.3.9 servers for their network infrastructure. Remote attackers can utilize the unrestricted proxy service to conduct man-in-the-middle attacks, monitor network traffic, and potentially redirect requests to malicious destinations. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where the proxy service might be used for legitimate purposes such as caching or content filtering, but the lack of access controls transforms these legitimate functions into security liabilities. The implications align with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol: DNS, as attackers could leverage the proxy to bypass normal network security controls and redirect traffic through compromised endpoints.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-1340 should focus on immediate administrative actions to restrict proxy access and implement proper network segmentation. Organizations should disable the HTTP proxy service when not actively required, or if enabled, ensure that access is strictly controlled through firewall rules and authentication mechanisms. Network administrators must configure access control lists to limit proxy service exposure to trusted internal networks only, preventing external entities from establishing connections through the compromised service. Additionally, the implementation of proper network monitoring and intrusion detection systems can help identify unauthorized proxy usage patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure configuration management and highlights the need for regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar issues in legacy systems. Organizations should also consider migrating away from unsupported software versions to benefit from modern security features and patches that address such access control deficiencies.