CVE-2006-1445 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the FTP server (FTPServer) in Apple Mac OS X 10.3.9 and 10.4.6 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code via vectors related to "FTP server path name handling."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/17/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-1445 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the FTP server component of Apple Mac OS X versions 10.3.9 and 10.4.6. This issue specifically manifests in the handling of FTP server path names, creating an exploitable condition that enables remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the FTP server implementation, allowing maliciously crafted path names to overflow buffer structures and potentially overwrite critical memory regions. Such buffer overflows are classified under CWE-121 as stack-based buffer overflow conditions, where insufficient bounds checking permits data to be written beyond allocated buffer boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to establish an authenticated FTP session with the target system, as the flaw specifically affects authenticated users rather than anonymous connections. During FTP operations involving path name handling, particularly when processing directory listings or file transfers with specially crafted path strings, the vulnerable FTP server component fails to properly validate the length of incoming path data. This failure allows attackers to inject data that exceeds the allocated buffer space, potentially corrupting adjacent memory structures including return addresses, function pointers, or other critical program state information. The exploitation process typically involves carefully constructed input that triggers the buffer overflow condition, which can then be leveraged to redirect program execution flow and ultimately execute malicious code with the privileges of the FTP service account.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for further compromise within the Mac OS X environment. Since the FTP server typically runs with elevated privileges, successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to system resources, modify or delete files, establish persistent backdoors, or escalate privileges to gain full system control. The vulnerability affects both Mac OS X 10.3.9 and 10.4.6, representing a significant security gap in Apple's operating system implementation that could be exploited by attackers with valid FTP credentials. Organizations using these versions of Mac OS X were particularly vulnerable as the flaw existed in widely deployed server configurations, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to compromise network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching and system hardening measures. Apple released security updates to address this specific buffer overflow condition in subsequent versions of Mac OS X, and organizations should prioritize applying these patches to eliminate the risk. In cases where patching cannot be immediately implemented, administrators should consider implementing network segmentation to limit FTP server access, enforcing strict authentication controls, and monitoring FTP server logs for suspicious activity patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in server applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through FTP protocols. Additionally, implementing intrusion detection systems and network monitoring tools can help identify exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability pattern, providing early warning capabilities for security teams to respond to potential attacks.