CVE-2005-2739 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
keychain access in mac os x 10.4.2 and earlier keeps a password visible even if a keychain times out while the password is being viewed which could allow attackers with physical access to obtain the password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-2739 represents a critical security flaw in the keychain access mechanism of mac os x version 10.4.2 and earlier systems. This issue specifically affects the password management and display functionality within the operating system's cryptographic key management system. The flaw occurs when a user attempts to view a password stored in the keychain while the keychain is in a timed-out state, creating a security risk that persists even after the intended timeout period should have triggered. This vulnerability directly impacts the fundamental security model of the operating system's credential management infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of keychain state transitions and password display mechanisms. When the keychain enters a timeout state, the system should automatically obscure or clear sensitive password information from view. However, in affected versions of mac os x, the password remains visible on screen even though the keychain is no longer actively accessible. This behavior violates standard security principles for credential handling and demonstrates a failure in proper access control enforcement. The flaw operates at the user interface level where password display occurs, making it particularly dangerous because it bypasses the normal security mechanisms that should protect sensitive data during inactive periods.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for systems with physical access by attackers who may observe passwords displayed on screen during keychain timeout transitions. The attack vector requires physical access to the system but does not require authentication or network connectivity, making it particularly concerning for environments where unauthorized physical access is possible. This vulnerability could be exploited by adversaries with brief access to a system, potentially leading to unauthorized access to accounts, services, or data protected by the compromised credentials. The risk is elevated in shared or public computing environments where unauthorized individuals might observe password displays, and in scenarios where users leave systems unattended during keychain timeout periods.
The security implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple password exposure to encompass broader threats to system integrity and user confidentiality. This issue represents a failure in the principle of least privilege and demonstrates poor separation between user interface display and actual credential access control. The vulnerability can be categorized under CWE-200, which addresses information exposure, and may also relate to CWE-312, which covers exposure of sensitive information through improper output formatting. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the attack tactics of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to credential access and privilege escalation through physical access methods. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including system updates to newer mac os x versions, enhanced physical security measures, and user education regarding safe computing practices during keychain timeout periods. The remediation approach must address both the immediate security risk and prevent similar issues in future system implementations by ensuring proper state management and access control enforcement in credential handling mechanisms.