CVE-2005-1723 in Mac OS X Server
Summary
by MITRE
LaunchServices in Apple Mac OS X 10.4.x up to 10.4.1 does not properly mark file extensions and MIME types as unsafe if an Apple Uniform Type Identifier (UTI) is not created when the type is added to the database of unsafe types, which could allow attackers to bypass intended restrictions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/08/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-1723 resides within the LaunchServices framework of Apple Mac OS X 10.4.x versions up to 10.4.1, representing a significant security flaw in the operating system's type handling mechanisms. This issue specifically targets how the system manages file extensions and MIME types within its database of potentially unsafe types, creating a critical gap in the security model that could be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical flaw manifests when Apple Uniform Type Identifiers (UTIs) are not properly created or maintained within the LaunchServices database for certain file types that should be restricted. This failure occurs during the process of adding new file types to the system's database of unsafe types, where the system relies on UTI creation to properly mark and restrict these types. When UTIs are missing or improperly configured, file extensions and MIME types that should be considered unsafe are not correctly flagged in the system's security framework, allowing them to bypass intended restrictions and potentially execute malicious code or access restricted resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally undermines the integrity of the system's type restriction mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this weakness by creating or manipulating file types that do not have proper UTI associations, thereby circumventing the security controls designed to prevent execution of potentially harmful content. This vulnerability particularly affects systems running Mac OS X 10.4.x versions where the LaunchServices framework fails to properly validate and enforce type restrictions, creating a pathway for unauthorized code execution and potential system compromise. The flaw aligns with CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation, and represents a classic example of how incomplete security controls can create exploitable gaps in system defenses.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates to the latest available versions of Mac OS X 10.4.x where Apple has addressed the LaunchServices implementation issues. System administrators should also implement additional security measures such as monitoring file type associations and ensuring proper UTI creation for all registered file types within the system. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining complete and consistent type identifier databases, as outlined in various security frameworks including those referenced in the ATT&CK matrix under application layer attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing additional endpoint protection measures and regular security audits to identify and correct similar issues in other system components that rely on similar type validation mechanisms.