CVE-2006-0386 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
FileVault in Mac OS X 10.4.5 and earlier does not properly mount user directories when creating a FileVault image, which allows local users to access protected files when FileVault is enabled.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-0386 represents a critical flaw in the FileVault implementation within Mac OS X 10.4.5 and earlier versions. This issue specifically affects the mounting process of user directories during FileVault image creation, creating a security gap that undermines the encryption protection mechanisms designed to safeguard user data. The flaw occurs at the system level where the FileVault service fails to properly establish secure mounting points for user directories, leaving sensitive information accessible to unauthorized local users who should otherwise be restricted from accessing encrypted data.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of file system mounting operations within the FileVault framework. When FileVault attempts to create an encrypted image for user directories, the system does not correctly validate or secure the mounting process, allowing local users to gain access to protected files through the improperly configured mount points. This represents a fundamental failure in access control implementation where the security boundary between encrypted and unencrypted data is not properly enforced. The vulnerability specifically targets the mount point creation and validation logic within the FileVault service, which operates under the broader category of privilege escalation and access control bypass issues.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for Mac OS X users who rely on FileVault for data protection. Local users with access to the system can exploit this flaw to access files that should remain encrypted and protected, effectively nullifying the encryption benefits provided by FileVault. The impact extends beyond simple data exposure as it undermines the trust model of the operating system's security framework, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges and access additional system resources. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where FileVault is commonly deployed to protect sensitive corporate data, as it creates a potential attack vector that could lead to data breaches and unauthorized access to protected information.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves the exploitation of privileges and access control mechanisms. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to Mac OS X 10.4.6 or later versions where this vulnerability has been addressed, disabling FileVault if not essential, and implementing additional access controls to limit local user privileges. System administrators should also conduct thorough security assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and monitor for unauthorized access to user directories. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper mounting and validation procedures in cryptographic systems, highlighting that even well-intentioned security features can be compromised by implementation flaws in core system services.