CVE-2008-2311 in Mac OS X Server
Summary
by MITRE
Launch Services in Apple Mac OS X before 10.5, when Open Safe Files is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a symlink attack, probably related to a race condition and automatic execution of a downloaded file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/12/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-2311 represents a critical security flaw in Apple Mac OS X versions prior to 10.5, specifically within the Launch Services component. This vulnerability exploits a fundamental weakness in how the operating system handles file execution when the Open Safe Files feature is enabled, creating a dangerous attack vector for remote threat actors. The flaw manifests through a symlink attack that leverages a race condition, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of privilege escalation and code execution flaws that have historically posed significant risks to operating system security.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a race condition that occurs during the file handling process when Launch Services processes downloaded files. When Open Safe Files is enabled, the system automatically attempts to execute certain file types without explicit user confirmation. Attackers can exploit this behavior by creating malicious symbolic links that point to legitimate system executables or scripts. The race condition occurs between the time when the system identifies a file for execution and when it actually performs the execution, allowing the attacker to manipulate the file path or content during this window. This flaw is particularly dangerous because it operates at the system level and can bypass many traditional security measures that rely on user interaction or explicit confirmation.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-2311 extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a sophisticated attack methodology that can lead to complete system compromise. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install malware, establish persistent backdoors, or escalate privileges to gain administrative control over affected systems. The automatic execution feature that triggers this vulnerability makes it especially dangerous because users may not even be aware that malicious code has been executed. This vulnerability aligns with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the execution and privilege escalation domains, where adversaries exploit system-level features to achieve their objectives without requiring user interaction.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and race condition handling in system components. The flaw highlights the risks associated with automatic execution features and the need for careful implementation of security controls that operate without explicit user confirmation. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling Open Safe Files when not required, applying the latest security patches for Mac OS X 10.5 and later versions, and monitoring for suspicious file execution patterns. The vulnerability also underscores the necessity of following secure coding practices that prevent race conditions, particularly in components that handle file operations and system execution paths. This issue serves as a reminder of how seemingly benign features like automatic file execution can become serious security concerns when not properly secured against adversarial manipulation.