CVE-2005-1722 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
unknown vulnerability in the coregraphics window server for mac os x 10.4.x up to 10.4.1 allows local users to inject arbitrary commands into root sessions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1722 represents a critical security flaw within the CoreGraphics window server component of Mac OS X versions 10.4 through 10.4.1. This issue resides in the fundamental graphics rendering subsystem that manages window operations and user interface elements across the operating system. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and privilege escalation mechanisms within the window server process that handles graphics operations and window management functions. Attackers exploiting this weakness can manipulate the graphics subsystem to execute malicious commands with elevated privileges, potentially compromising the entire system.
This security flaw operates through a command injection vector that allows local attackers to manipulate the CoreGraphics window server process. The vulnerability specifically affects the way the window server handles certain graphics commands and user input, creating an opportunity for privilege escalation from a regular user account to root level access. The attack exploits a design flaw in how the system processes graphics-related operations, particularly when handling window creation and rendering commands. The injection occurs during the processing of graphics operations that should remain isolated to user-space processes but instead can be manipulated to execute arbitrary commands in the privileged context of the root session.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Once successfully exploited, local users can execute any command with root privileges, effectively granting them full system access and enabling them to modify critical system files, install malware, or establish persistent backdoors. This vulnerability undermines the core security model of Mac OS X by allowing unauthorized access to system-level operations through a seemingly benign graphics subsystem. The risk is particularly elevated because the attack requires only local access and can be executed without requiring network connectivity or additional authentication mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate system updates and patches provided by Apple to address the CoreGraphics window server flaw. Organizations should implement comprehensive security monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts and privilege escalation activities. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-78 which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in command injection attacks, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation through system vulnerabilities. System administrators should ensure that all Mac OS X systems are updated to versions that contain the patched CoreGraphics window server implementation, and consider implementing additional security controls such as discretionary access controls and process monitoring to detect anomalous behavior in graphics-related processes.