CVE-2005-2507 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Directory Services in Mac OS X 10.3.9 and 10.4.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code during authentication.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2507 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Directory Services component of Mac OS X versions 10.3.9 and 10.4.2. This issue resides in the authentication processing pipeline where the system fails to properly validate input lengths when handling directory service requests. The flaw specifically manifests during the authentication phase when the system processes user credentials through the Directory Services framework, creating an opportunity for malicious input to overflow allocated memory buffers. The vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking mechanisms that should have prevented excessive data from being written into fixed-size memory structures. This type of buffer overflow vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient space is allocated for data storage. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it operates during the authentication process, meaning that remote attackers can exploit this weakness without requiring local access or elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities as it provides attackers with complete system compromise potential. When successfully exploited, the buffer overflow allows remote adversaries to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Directory Services process, which typically runs with elevated system permissions. This creates a pathway for attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources, potentially leading to full system takeover or data exfiltration. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can leverage this weakness from outside the network perimeter without requiring physical access to target systems. The authentication context makes this particularly concerning because it can be exploited during legitimate user login attempts, making the attack harder to detect and potentially allowing persistent access to compromised systems. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts usage and T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-2507 require immediate patching of affected systems with the official security updates provided by Apple. The vulnerability was addressed through system updates that implemented proper bounds checking mechanisms and enhanced input validation within the Directory Services framework. Organizations should prioritize deployment of these patches across all affected Mac OS X systems, particularly those connected to corporate networks where Directory Services are actively used for authentication. Network segmentation and firewall rules can provide additional defense-in-depth measures by restricting access to Directory Services ports and implementing monitoring for unusual authentication patterns. System administrators should also implement comprehensive logging and monitoring of Directory Services activities to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date system patches and proper input validation practices in system design. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for similar buffer overflow conditions in other system components. Additionally, implementing network intrusion detection systems can help identify and block exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability. The remediation process should also include reviewing and updating access control policies to minimize the attack surface of Directory Services and ensure that only necessary systems have access to these authentication services.