CVE-2005-1727 in Mac OS X Server
Summary
by MITRE
apple mac os x 10.4.x up to 10.4.1 sets insecure world- and group-writable permissions for the (1) system cache folder and (2) dashboard system widgets which allows local users to conduct unauthorized file operations via "file race conditions."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/08/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-1727 represents a significant security flaw in Apple Mac OS X 10.4.x versions up to 10.4.1 where the system cache folder and dashboard system widgets are configured with insecure permissions that allow world-writable and group-writable access. This configuration creates a fundamental security weakness that directly violates the principle of least privilege and creates opportunities for privilege escalation attacks. The issue stems from improper permission settings during system installation or configuration processes, where critical system directories are inadvertently granted overly permissive access controls that should be restricted to system administrators only.
This vulnerability operates through file race conditions that occur when local users can manipulate or replace system files while the system is accessing them. The insecure world-writable permissions for the system cache folder and dashboard widgets create a window where malicious users can modify or replace critical system components with malicious code, potentially leading to unauthorized code execution with elevated privileges. The race condition aspect means that timing attacks can be employed to exploit the window between when the system checks permissions and when it actually accesses the files, allowing attackers to substitute legitimate files with malicious counterparts. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-732: Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource, which specifically addresses situations where critical system resources are assigned incorrect access permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file operations to potentially enable full system compromise. Local users who exploit this vulnerability can gain the ability to modify system cache files and dashboard widgets, which could be used to install backdoors, modify system behavior, or escalate privileges to root access. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no special privileges to initiate the exploit, making it accessible to any local user on the system. This creates a significant risk for environments where multiple users share the same system or where untrusted users have local access, as the vulnerability can be exploited to gain persistent access to the system.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and persistence. Attackers can leverage this weakness to establish a foothold within the system and then use the compromised cache and widget files to maintain access or move laterally within the network. The vulnerability also relates to technique T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, where attackers exploit system weaknesses to gain elevated privileges. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including proper permission configuration for system cache directories and dashboard widgets, regular system auditing to detect unauthorized modifications, and ensuring that all systems are updated to versions that address this specific vulnerability. The recommended remediation involves setting appropriate permissions for these directories to prevent world-writable access and implementing proper file integrity monitoring to detect any unauthorized changes to critical system components.