CVE-2008-0998 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in NetCfgTool in the System Configuration component in Apple Mac OS X 10.4.11 and 10.5.2 allows local users to bypass authorization and execute arbitrary code via crafted distributed objects.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0998 resides within the NetCfgTool component of Apple Mac OS X systems, specifically affecting versions 10.4.11 and 10.5.2. This issue represents a critical authorization bypass flaw that fundamentally compromises the security model of the operating system's System Configuration component. The vulnerability manifests through crafted distributed objects that exploit weaknesses in the object serialization and deserialization processes, allowing local attackers to escalate privileges and execute malicious code with elevated system permissions.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate validation mechanisms within the NetCfgTool's handling of distributed objects, which are used for inter-process communication and system configuration management. When the system processes these crafted objects, it fails to properly authenticate or authorize the incoming requests, creating a pathway for unauthorized code execution. This vulnerability operates at the kernel level within the System Configuration framework, leveraging the inherent trust relationships between system components to bypass standard security controls. The flaw aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues in software systems, and specifically demonstrates weaknesses in object-oriented security implementations where distributed objects are not properly validated before execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables local users to gain unauthorized system access and execute arbitrary code with root privileges. Attackers can exploit this weakness to install malware, modify system files, establish backdoors, or exfiltrate sensitive data without requiring physical access or additional authentication. The vulnerability's local nature means that any user with login access can potentially exploit it, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments or shared computing scenarios. This flaw undermines the principle of least privilege and can lead to complete system compromise, as the executed code operates with the highest available privileges within the operating system's security model.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0998 should prioritize immediate system updates to the latest available versions of Mac OS X, as Apple would have released patches addressing the specific distributed object handling issues. Organizations should implement additional security controls including mandatory access controls, system integrity protection mechanisms, and monitoring for unauthorized code execution. Network administrators should consider disabling unnecessary system services and implementing strict user access controls to limit potential exploitation vectors. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation', and T1543, covering 'Create or Modify System Process', making it particularly relevant for security teams implementing defensive measures against sophisticated attack campaigns. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of the vulnerable NetCfgTool component and ensure complete remediation across all system environments.