CVE-2008-0995 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
The Printing component in Apple Mac OS X 10.5.2 uses 40-bit RC4 when printing to an encrypted PDF file, which makes it easier for attackers to decrypt the file via brute force methods.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0995 resides within Apple Mac OS X 10.5.2's printing component that handles encrypted PDF file creation. This flaw represents a significant cryptographic weakness in the operating system's implementation of secure printing functionality. The issue specifically manifests when users attempt to print documents to encrypted PDF files, where the system employs a weak encryption algorithm instead of robust cryptographic standards. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive documents that users expect to be protected through encryption.
The technical implementation flaw involves the use of 40-bit RC4 encryption algorithm during the PDF printing process. RC4 with 40-bit key length represents an obsolete cryptographic standard that has been widely deprecated due to its inherent weaknesses and susceptibility to various attacks. The 40-bit key space provides only 2^40 possible combinations, which can be systematically cracked through brute force attacks within reasonable timeframes using modern computational resources. This implementation violates fundamental cryptographic security principles and represents a clear deviation from industry best practices for secure document encryption. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-327 weakness category, which specifically addresses the use of weak or broken cryptographic algorithms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple confidentiality concerns to encompass potential data breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Attackers who intercept encrypted PDF files generated by affected Mac systems can exploit the weak 40-bit RC4 encryption to recover the original document contents through relatively straightforward brute force methods. This creates a significant risk for organizations that rely on Mac systems for secure document printing and distribution, particularly in environments handling confidential business information, personal data, or government communications. The vulnerability affects the entire printing ecosystem of the operating system and can be exploited by both local and remote attackers without requiring specialized tools or extensive technical expertise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate system updates and patches provided by Apple to address the cryptographic implementation flaw. Organizations should implement additional security controls such as restricting printing capabilities to trusted networks, utilizing alternative secure document formats, and implementing network monitoring to detect suspicious printing activities. The recommended approach involves upgrading to patched versions of Mac OS X that employ stronger encryption standards such as AES-128 or higher bit-length algorithms. Security administrators should also consider implementing document classification policies that prevent sensitive information from being printed to encrypted PDF files when weak encryption is in use, aligning with the principle of least privilege and defense in depth strategies outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks including the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO 27001 standards.