CVE-2006-0401 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Mac OS X before 10.4.6, when running on an Intel-based computer, allows attackers with physical access to bypass the firmware password and log on in Single User Mode via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2025
This vulnerability exists in Mac OS X versions prior to 10.4.6 when operating on Intel-based hardware systems. The flaw represents a critical security weakness that undermines the firmware protection mechanisms designed to prevent unauthorized access to the system. Attackers with physical access to affected systems can exploit this vulnerability to bypass the firmware password protection and gain access to the system through Single User Mode. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests that multiple pathways may exist for exploitation, making the vulnerability particularly concerning from a security perspective.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient protection mechanisms within the firmware layer of the operating system. When a Mac system is configured with a firmware password, the expectation is that unauthorized users cannot access system resources or modify critical components without proper authentication. However, this vulnerability allows bypass of these protections through Single User Mode, which is typically intended for system maintenance and recovery purposes. The flaw likely involves improper validation or handling of boot parameters that would normally be restricted in a secure firmware environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it essentially nullifies the firmware password protection that users rely on for physical security. An attacker with physical access to an affected Mac system can bypass the security measures that are meant to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data and system resources. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely on firmware passwords as part of their security posture, as it allows attackers to circumvent these protections entirely. The ability to access Single User Mode without proper authentication creates potential for data exfiltration, system modification, and other malicious activities that could compromise the entire system.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems, and represents a failure in the firmware-level access control mechanisms. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and system access, specifically targeting the boot process and firmware security. Organizations should immediately apply the security patch released with Mac OS X 10.4.6 to address this vulnerability. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing additional physical security measures such as cable locks, secure facility access controls, and monitoring for unauthorized physical access to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. The remediation process should include verifying that firmware passwords are properly configured and that the system is running the patched version of the operating system to ensure complete protection against this attack vector.