CVE-2007-0724 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
The IOKit HID interface in Apple Mac OS X 10.3.9 and 10.4 through 10.4.8 does not sufficiently limit access to certain controls, which allows local users to gain privileges by using HID device events to read keystrokes from the console.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-0724 represents a significant privilege escalation flaw within Apple Mac OS X operating systems, specifically affecting versions 10.3.9 through 10.4.8. This issue resides within the IOKit HID (Human Interface Device) interface, which serves as the core framework for handling input devices such as keyboards, mice, and other human interface peripherals. The fundamental problem lies in the insufficient access controls implemented within this system interface, creating a pathway for local attackers to exploit system security boundaries. The vulnerability specifically targets the console session, where keystroke data is processed and managed, allowing malicious actors to intercept sensitive input information that should remain protected from unauthorized access.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from the improper implementation of access controls within the IOKit subsystem that manages HID devices. When a local user gains access to the system, they can leverage the HID interface to intercept and read keystrokes from the console session without proper authentication or authorization checks. This flaw essentially allows an attacker to monitor keyboard input events in real-time, potentially capturing passwords, commands, and other sensitive information entered by users. The issue manifests through the lack of proper privilege validation when processing HID device events, enabling local users to access system resources that should be restricted to privileged processes or system-level operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple keystroke logging to encompass broader security implications for Mac OS X systems. Local privilege escalation through HID device manipulation creates a significant risk for system compromise, as attackers can gather credentials and sensitive information without requiring external network access or sophisticated attack vectors. This vulnerability particularly affects systems where users might have legitimate local access but should not possess the ability to monitor or capture console input from other users. The implications include potential credential theft, session hijacking, and unauthorized access to protected system functions that rely on console input for authentication or administrative operations.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a classic example of insufficient access control, which maps directly to CWE-284 Access Control Issues within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The attack pattern aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1056 Input Capture, specifically targeting the collection of keystrokes and user input from the console session. Mitigation strategies should include applying the official Apple security patches released for affected versions, implementing additional system monitoring for unusual HID device access patterns, and ensuring proper user access controls and privilege management. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security measures such as encrypted console sessions and monitoring for unauthorized HID device connections to prevent exploitation of this class of vulnerability.