CVE-2007-0467 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
crashdump in Apple Mac OS X 10.4.8 allows local users in the admin group to modify arbitrary files or gain privileges via a symlink attack on application logs in /Library/Logs/CrashReporter/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0467 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within Apple Mac OS X 10.4.8 systems that specifically affects the crashdump functionality. This issue arises from improper handling of symbolic links within the CrashReporter logging directory structure, creating a path traversal scenario that allows local administrative users to manipulate system files beyond their intended scope. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages the existing administrative privileges of users within the admin group to execute unauthorized file modifications or privilege escalation attacks.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and file system access controls within the crashdump application's processing of log files. When the system processes crash reports, it fails to properly verify the legitimacy of symbolic links within the /Library/Logs/CrashReporter/ directory structure. This flaw enables attackers to create malicious symbolic links that point to sensitive system files, allowing them to overwrite or modify critical system resources through the legitimate crash reporting process. The vulnerability operates under CWE-59, which specifically addresses improper handling of symbolic links, and demonstrates how symlink attacks can be weaponized for privilege escalation in operating systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file modification capabilities to encompass potential privilege escalation scenarios that could allow attackers to gain root-level access to affected systems. Local users with administrative privileges can exploit this weakness to modify system configuration files, inject malicious code into legitimate applications, or manipulate system logs to cover their tracks. This creates a persistent threat vector where attackers can maintain access to compromised systems while remaining undetected within normal system operations. The vulnerability affects systems running Mac OS X 10.4.8 and potentially earlier versions of the 10.4.x series, making it relevant to legacy systems that may still be in production environments.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in relation to ATT&CK framework techniques such as T1068 for privilege escalation and T1566 for social engineering through system manipulation. The attack vector requires local access and administrative privileges, making it a low-risk but high-impact threat that can be exploited by insiders or attackers who have already compromised administrative accounts. Mitigation strategies should include immediate system updates to the latest available Mac OS X versions, implementation of strict file system permissions for the CrashReporter directory, and monitoring for unauthorized symbolic link creation within system log directories. Organizations should also consider deploying automated security tools that can detect and prevent symlink manipulation attempts, particularly in critical system directories where such attacks could have the most severe consequences.