CVE-2005-2513 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Unknown vulnerability in HItoolbox for Mac OS X 10.4.2 allows VoiceOver services to read secure input fields.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2513 represents a significant accessibility service flaw within HItoolbox for Mac OS X 10.4.2 that undermines the security of sensitive input fields. This issue specifically affects the VoiceOver screen reading service functionality, which is designed to assist users with visual impairments by providing audio feedback about interface elements. The flaw allows malicious actors or unauthorized users to exploit the accessibility framework to bypass normal input field security measures and obtain read access to content that should remain protected.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper implementation of input field security boundaries within the HItoolbox application's integration with Mac OS X's accessibility services. When VoiceOver is enabled, it should respect application-level security controls that prevent reading of sensitive data such as passwords, PINs, or other confidential information entered into secure input fields. However, the vulnerability enables the accessibility service to circumvent these controls, effectively creating a bypass mechanism that allows reading of secure input fields through the VoiceOver interface. This represents a fundamental failure in the application's security model and demonstrates a lack of proper access control implementation within the accessibility framework integration.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-2513 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a potential attack vector for unauthorized data access in environments where accessibility services are enabled. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to gain access to sensitive information that users believe is protected, particularly in scenarios where users rely on VoiceOver for navigation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where Mac OS X systems may be used in security-sensitive contexts, as it could allow unauthorized access to authentication credentials, personal information, or proprietary data that users enter into secure input fields. This flaw directly violates the principle of least privilege and demonstrates inadequate sandboxing of accessibility services within the application's security boundaries.
Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability in relation to CWE-200, which addresses "Information Disclosure," and the broader ATT&CK framework's T1056.001 technique for "Input Injection" and T1566.001 for "Phishing" as potential exploitation vectors. The vulnerability essentially allows for a form of information disclosure through an accessibility service that should be protected from such interference. Mitigation strategies include disabling unnecessary accessibility services when not required, implementing proper application security testing that includes accessibility service integration testing, and ensuring that all input field security controls are properly enforced regardless of accessibility service usage. Organizations should also consider applying system updates and patches provided by Apple to address this specific vulnerability in HItoolbox and related accessibility services. The flaw underscores the importance of comprehensive security testing that includes accessibility service integration and demonstrates the critical need for proper security boundaries even within legitimate accessibility frameworks that are designed to assist users with disabilities.