CVE-2008-2330 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
slapconfig in Directory Services in Apple Mac OS X 10.5 through 10.5.4 allows local users to select a readable output file into which the server password will be written by an OpenLDAP system administrator, related to the mkfifo function, aka an "insecure file operation issue."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/16/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2330 represents a critical insecure file operation flaw within the Directory Services component of Apple Mac OS X versions 10.5 through 10.5.4. This issue specifically affects the slapconfig utility which is responsible for configuring OpenLDAP server components within the macOS environment. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of temporary file creation and management during the configuration process, creating opportunities for local privilege escalation attacks. The flaw is particularly concerning because it allows unprivileged local users to manipulate the output file path that contains sensitive server credentials, effectively undermining the security controls designed to protect privileged information.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper use of the mkfifo function within the slapconfig utility's file handling mechanism. According to CWE-362, this represents a race condition vulnerability where the application creates a named pipe or FIFO without proper security checks. The flaw occurs when the system administrator runs the OpenLDAP configuration process, and the slapconfig utility attempts to create a temporary file for storing server passwords. Local users can exploit this by creating a symbolic link or by pre-creating a file in the designated output path, causing the utility to write sensitive credentials to a location they control rather than to a secure system location. This insecure file operation creates a privilege escalation vector that allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to server passwords and potentially escalate their privileges within the system.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-2330 extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with a pathway to compromise the entire Directory Services infrastructure. The vulnerability enables attackers to access server passwords that could be used to authenticate to other services, potentially leading to further lateral movement within the network. This issue particularly affects enterprise environments where macOS servers are used as directory services for user authentication and access control. The vulnerability exists in the context of the ATT&CK framework under the Privilege Escalation tactic, specifically targeting the technique of "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" where local users can leverage insecure file operations to gain elevated privileges. The impact is amplified because the configuration utility typically runs with elevated privileges, making the credential exposure particularly dangerous.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected macOS versions, as Apple released security updates to address the insecure file operation issue. Organizations should implement proper file system permissions and access controls to limit the ability of local users to manipulate system configuration utilities. The recommended approach includes ensuring that temporary files are created with proper permissions and that symbolic link checks are implemented before file operations. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for unauthorized access attempts to system configuration directories and implement logging mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input validation and secure file handling practices, particularly in utilities that operate with elevated privileges and handle sensitive information. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of credential exposure, while maintaining regular security assessments to identify similar insecure file operation patterns in other system components.