CVE-2005-2713 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
passwd in directory services in mac os x 10.3.x before 10.3.9 and 10.4.x before 10.4.5 allows local users to create arbitrary world-writable files as root by specifying an alternate file in the password database option.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/16/2025
This vulnerability resides in the directory services implementation of mac os x versions 10.3.x prior to 10.3.9 and 10.4.x prior to 10.4.5, specifically within the passwd command functionality. The flaw represents a classic privilege escalation vulnerability that allows local attackers to manipulate the password database through improper file handling mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and file permission handling when the passwd command processes alternate password database files specified through command line options. This weakness enables attackers to create world-writable files with root ownership, effectively providing them with persistent access to system resources and potential escalation to full administrative control.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the passwd command's failure to properly validate or sanitize file paths when processing alternate database options. When a local user executes the passwd command with specific parameters that reference alternative password database files, the system does not adequately verify the file permissions or ownership before creating or modifying these files. This behavior aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper file permissions, and CWE-73, which covers improper neutralization of special elements used in file names. The vulnerability operates under the principle that the system should not trust user-supplied file paths without proper validation, particularly when operating with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and persistent backdoor access. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can create files that are world-writable and owned by root, allowing them to modify critical system files, install malicious software, or maintain access even after system reboots. This weakness creates a persistent threat vector that can be leveraged to establish unauthorized control over the affected system. The vulnerability particularly impacts enterprise environments where mac os x systems may be used as directory services servers or where local administrative access might be compromised. The threat model aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers exploit for privilege escalation, and T1548.001, which addresses abuse of sudo privileges.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected mac os x versions to the recommended security updates that address the file handling and permission validation issues. System administrators should implement comprehensive monitoring for unauthorized file creation in system directories, particularly those related to authentication and user management. The fix typically involves strengthening input validation mechanisms within the passwd command to ensure that any alternate file paths specified are properly sanitized and that file creation operations maintain appropriate permissions. Additionally, organizations should enforce principle of least privilege for local user accounts and implement regular security audits to detect any suspicious file creation patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper file permission handling in privileged system commands and highlights the necessity of input validation in all system utilities that interact with critical system resources.