CVE-2005-1341 in Mac OS X Server
Summary
by MITRE
Apple Terminal 1.4.4 allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands via terminal escape sequences.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2024
Apple Terminal 1.4.4 contains a critical command injection vulnerability that arises from inadequate sanitization of terminal escape sequences. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-78 category of Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in OS Command Injection, where the application fails to properly validate and filter escape sequences that can be interpreted by the underlying shell. The flaw enables attackers to inject malicious commands through carefully crafted terminal escape sequences that are processed by the terminal application, potentially allowing arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected user.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the terminal application's failure to properly sanitize input when processing escape sequences, particularly those beginning with the escape character followed by specific control codes. Attackers can construct malicious escape sequences that, when processed by the terminal, trigger unintended command execution within the shell environment. This occurs because the application does not adequately distinguish between legitimate terminal control sequences and potentially malicious command injection attempts, creating a pathway for privilege escalation and remote code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it can be leveraged to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and potentially compromise entire systems. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands with the same privileges as the terminal application, which typically runs with the user's permissions. This creates a significant risk for users who may inadvertently interact with maliciously crafted content or who are operating in environments where such attacks could be initiated through network-based delivery mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where users may have elevated privileges or where terminal applications are used in automated processes.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of affected Apple Terminal versions, implementation of input validation controls, and deployment of terminal application security measures that filter or sanitize escape sequences. Organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies and restricting terminal application capabilities where possible. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization and the need for security controls that prevent command injection attacks, aligning with defense-in-depth principles from the ATT&CK framework. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for suspicious terminal activity and implement logging controls to detect potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and updates of terminal applications are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.