CVE-2006-1442 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
The bundle API in CoreFoundation in Apple Mac OS X 10.3.9 and 10.4.6 loads dynamic libraries even if the client application has not directly requested it, which allows attackers to execute arbitrary code from an untrusted bundle.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/17/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-1442 represents a critical security flaw within the CoreFoundation framework of Apple Mac OS X versions 10.3.9 and 10.4.6. This issue stems from the bundle API's improper handling of dynamic library loading mechanisms, creating an environment where malicious code can be executed without explicit user consent or application authorization. The vulnerability operates at the system level, affecting the fundamental library loading infrastructure that applications depend upon for functionality and resource management.
The technical flaw manifests in the bundle API's behavior of automatically loading dynamic libraries regardless of whether the client application has explicitly requested them. This occurs due to improper validation of bundle dependencies and insufficient sandboxing controls within the CoreFoundation framework. When an application loads a bundle, the system processes all referenced dynamic libraries in the bundle's dependency chain without verifying if these libraries are trusted or necessary for the application's operation. This automatic loading behavior creates an attack surface where malicious actors can craft specially constructed bundles that contain malicious code designed to execute upon bundle loading.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the compromised application. The flaw enables privilege escalation attacks where malicious bundles can leverage the system's automatic loading behavior to inject malicious code into legitimate applications or system processes. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and can be exploited to bypass security controls that would normally prevent unauthorized code execution. The attack vector typically involves placing malicious bundles in locations where they will be automatically loaded by the system, such as in application support directories or system library paths.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element and CWE-428 Uncontrolled Search Path Element, representing classic path traversal and loading vulnerabilities. The issue also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, though more specifically to T1505.003 Server Software Component: Web Shell, as it enables the execution of arbitrary code through system-level components. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may inadvertently load malicious content or where system administrators have not properly secured bundle loading paths.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-1442 require immediate system updates to patched versions of Mac OS X, as Apple released security updates addressing this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict bundle loading policies that restrict automatic library loading and enforce code signing verification for all loaded bundles. System administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of application directories to identify and remove potentially malicious bundles, while also implementing file integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized bundle modifications. Additionally, network segmentation and application whitelisting controls can help prevent the automatic loading of untrusted bundles from potentially compromised network locations. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date system software and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that include multiple layers of security controls to protect against similar exploitation techniques.