CVE-2006-1981 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Java InputMethods on Mac OS X 10.4.5 may cause InputMethods to send input events for secure fields to the wrong text field, which might reveal the password to others who can view the screen.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/08/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-1981 relates to a security flaw in Java InputMethods functionality on Mac OS X 10.4.5 systems. This issue represents a critical weakness in the operating system's input handling mechanisms that specifically affects how Java applications process user input through the graphical user interface. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of input events within the Java InputMethods framework, which is responsible for managing text input operations for various languages and character sets on the Mac platform. The flaw manifests when secure input fields such as password fields receive input events that are incorrectly routed to different text fields, potentially exposing sensitive information to unauthorized observers.
This vulnerability operates at the intersection of operating system security and application-level input handling, creating a scenario where the integrity of secure input mechanisms is compromised. The technical implementation flaw involves the InputMethods framework's inability to properly maintain context awareness when processing input events for secure fields, leading to event misrouting that can result in password disclosure. The issue demonstrates a clear breakdown in the security model that should normally prevent sensitive data from being exposed through improper input field association. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability represents a classic case of information leakage through improper input validation and event routing mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure to encompass broader security implications for users of Mac OS X systems running Java applications. Attackers who can observe the screen of a compromised system could potentially capture passwords and other sensitive information by monitoring the incorrect routing of input events. This creates a scenario where the physical security of the computing environment becomes a critical factor in protecting against such attacks, as the vulnerability does not require network access or complex exploitation techniques. The vulnerability affects the fundamental security assumptions of secure input fields, undermining user confidence in the protection of sensitive data within Java applications on Mac systems.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of CWE-200, which addresses information exposure through improper input handling, and potentially CWE-215, which deals with the exposure of sensitive information through improper input processing. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to credential access through information disclosure, specifically targeting the collection of authentication data through improper input field handling. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including system updates to the latest Mac OS X versions, disabling unnecessary Java InputMethods where possible, and implementing additional screen monitoring solutions to detect potential information leakage. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input event routing and context awareness in security-critical applications, particularly those handling sensitive user information.