CVE-2005-2503 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
appkit for mac os x 10.3.9 and 10.4.2 allows attackers with physical access to create local accounts by forcing a particular error to occur at the login window.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-2503 represents a significant security weakness in the Mac OS X operating system's authentication mechanism, specifically affecting versions 10.3.9 and 10.4.2. This flaw resides within the application kit component of the operating system, which governs the graphical user interface elements and system interaction points. The vulnerability exploits a design oversight in the login window's error handling process, creating an unexpected path for unauthorized account creation that bypasses normal authentication protocols.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and error handling within the login window interface. When an attacker gains physical access to a system running the affected versions, they can manipulate the login process to trigger a specific error condition that the system fails to properly handle. This particular error condition allows for the creation of local user accounts without proper authentication, effectively circumventing the security controls that should prevent unauthorized system access. The flaw operates at the system level rather than through network-based attacks, making it particularly concerning for environments where physical security is compromised.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to establish persistent local accounts that can be used for continued system access and potential escalation of privileges. This weakness creates a backdoor that can be exploited by anyone with physical access to the machine, including malicious insiders or individuals who have gained temporary access to a secure environment. The vulnerability undermines fundamental security principles of authentication and access control, allowing attackers to bypass the standard user authentication mechanisms that are designed to protect system integrity. This particular flaw aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues in system components, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates to patched versions of Mac OS X, as well as implementation of physical security measures to prevent unauthorized access to systems. Organizations should consider deploying additional authentication layers such as hardware tokens or biometric authentication to provide defense in depth. The recommended approach includes applying the security patches released by Apple to address the specific error handling flaw in the login window component. System administrators should also implement monitoring for suspicious account creation events and establish regular security audits to detect potential exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and credential access methods, highlighting the importance of physical security controls and proper system hardening measures.