CVE-2005-1473 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
securityagent in apple mac os x 10.4.1 allows attackers with physical access to bypass the locked screensaver and launch background applications by opening a url from a text input field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1473 resides within the securityagent component of Apple Mac OS X version 10.4.1, representing a critical flaw in the operating system's screen lock protection mechanism. This weakness specifically affects the screensaver functionality and demonstrates a significant gap in the authentication process that governs user access to locked systems. The vulnerability exploits a fundamental security assumption that physical access to a locked computer should not permit unauthorized application execution or interface manipulation. The flaw manifests when an attacker with physical access to a locked Mac computer can bypass the screensaver lock by simply opening a URL through a text input field, effectively circumventing the system's intended security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of user input within the securityagent process that manages screensaver authentication. When a user inputs a URL into a text field while the system is locked, the securityagent fails to properly authenticate the input source or validate that the action originates from an authorized user. This represents a classic case of inadequate access control validation where the system assumes that any input from the user interface is legitimate without proper verification of the user's authenticated state. The flaw operates at the application level within the Mac OS X security framework, specifically targeting the interface between the user input system and the authentication subsystem. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-284, which describes improper access control, and demonstrates how insufficient input validation can lead to privilege escalation and unauthorized system access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential data compromise and system manipulation. An attacker with physical access to a locked Mac computer could launch background applications, access sensitive information, or even modify system configurations without proper authentication. This scenario is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where multiple users share workstations or where sensitive data may be stored on locked systems. The vulnerability essentially creates a backdoor that allows unauthorized execution of applications, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, or further exploitation attempts. The attack vector requires only physical proximity to the target system and basic knowledge of the text input field manipulation technique, making it easily exploitable in real-world scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and authentication checks within the securityagent component. System administrators should ensure that all versions of Mac OS X 10.4.1 are updated to the latest available patches from Apple, which would address the specific input validation flaw in the screensaver authentication process. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing enhanced security measures such as automatic screen locking after periods of inactivity, requiring password authentication for all system functions, and disabling unnecessary input fields on locked screens. The remediation approach should align with ATT&CK technique T1547.001, which addresses registry run keys and startup folder, by ensuring that background application launching is properly authenticated even when the system is locked. Network security policies should also be updated to restrict physical access to sensitive systems, particularly in shared or public environments where unauthorized individuals might exploit such vulnerabilities.