CVE-2008-2324 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
The Repair Permissions tool in Disk Utility in Apple Mac OS X 10.4.11 adds the setuid bit to the emacs executable file, which allows local users to gain privileges by executing commands within emacs.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/05/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-2324 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within Apple Mac OS X 10.4.11's Disk Utility component. This issue stems from the Repair Permissions tool's improper handling of file permissions during system maintenance operations. When the tool executes, it inadvertently modifies the setuid bit on the emacs executable, creating a dangerous condition that can be exploited by local attackers to elevate their system privileges. The setuid bit, when properly configured, allows programs to execute with the permissions of the file owner rather than the user who invoked them, making this modification particularly concerning for security-sensitive applications.
The technical flaw manifests through the manipulation of file system permissions within the Disk Utility framework. The Repair Permissions tool, designed to maintain proper access controls on system files, instead introduces a malicious permission configuration by setting the setuid bit on emacs. This creates a persistent backdoor mechanism where any local user can leverage the elevated privileges of the emacs executable to execute arbitrary commands with higher system privileges. The vulnerability directly relates to CWE-276, which addresses incorrect permissions for critical resources, and represents a classic case of privilege escalation through improper permission management.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple local privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with a reliable method to gain elevated system access without requiring authentication. Once a local user executes commands within emacs, they can potentially access sensitive system resources, modify protected files, or establish persistent access to the compromised system. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates silently within normal system maintenance procedures, making detection difficult and exploitation straightforward for attackers familiar with the system's permission model. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting legitimate system tools to gain elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates to newer versions of Mac OS X where this specific flaw has been addressed. System administrators should ensure that all instances of Mac OS X 10.4.11 are upgraded to patched versions that properly handle file permissions during Disk Utility operations. Additionally, security monitoring should focus on detecting unauthorized setuid bit modifications on system executables, particularly those that are not expected to require elevated privileges. The recommended approach includes implementing file integrity monitoring solutions that can alert on permission changes to critical system binaries and conducting regular security audits to verify that setuid bits are properly configured according to security best practices. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege by removing unnecessary setuid permissions from system executables that do not require elevated privileges for normal operation.