CVE-2008-2312 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Network Preferences in Apple Mac OS X 10.4.11 stores PPP passwords in cleartext in a world-readable file, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information by reading this file.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-2312 represents a critical security flaw in Apple Mac OS X 10.4.11 where Network Preferences improperly store Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) passwords in cleartext within a world-readable file. This issue stems from inadequate privilege separation and file permission management within the operating system's network configuration subsystem. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental failure in secure credential storage practices that directly violates established security principles for handling sensitive authentication data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the improper handling of PPP authentication credentials within the Mac OS X network preferences framework. When users configure PPP connections for internet access, the system stores the password in a file that lacks proper access controls, making it readable by any user account on the system. This cleartext storage approach creates an immediate and severe security risk as it eliminates any cryptographic protection for sensitive authentication information. The vulnerability specifically relates to CWE-312, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext storage, and CWE-275, concerning permissions and access control issues. The flaw operates at the operating system level where network configuration data is persisted to disk without appropriate security measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to create significant risk for system compromise. Local attackers with minimal privileges can easily retrieve PPP passwords and potentially use them to establish unauthorized network connections, access remote systems, or escalate their privileges within the network environment. This vulnerability enables attackers to bypass traditional authentication mechanisms and gain persistent access to network resources that would otherwise require proper credentials. The implications are particularly severe in multi-user environments where the cleartext password files are accessible to all local users, potentially allowing for privilege escalation attacks or unauthorized network access. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1552.001, which covers "Unsecured Credentials," and T1078, which addresses "Valid Accounts" as attackers can leverage the retrieved credentials to maintain persistent access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2312 require immediate administrative intervention to address the root cause of the vulnerability. System administrators should implement proper file permissions on the affected network preference files, ensuring that only authorized system processes and administrators can access the password storage locations. The recommended approach involves setting restrictive file permissions such as 600 or 640 to prevent unauthorized access while maintaining proper system functionality. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing centralized authentication solutions and network access control measures to reduce dependency on local PPP configurations. Regular security audits should verify that sensitive credential storage practices comply with security baselines, and system updates should be prioritized to address the underlying vulnerability in the operating system. The remediation process must also include user education about the risks of local privilege escalation and the importance of proper system access controls to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in other system components.