CVE-2008-2830 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Open Scripting Architecture in Apple Mac OS X 10.4.11 and 10.5.4, and some other 10.4 and 10.5 versions, does not properly restrict the loading of scripting addition plugins, which allows local users to gain privileges via scripting addition commands to a privileged application, as originally demonstrated by an osascript tell command to ARDAgent.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/27/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-2830 resides within the Open Scripting Architecture component of Apple Mac OS X operating systems, specifically affecting versions 10.4.11 and 10.5.4 along with other variants in the 10.4 and 10.5 series. This issue represents a critical privilege escalation flaw that exploits the improper handling of scripting addition plugins within the system's scripting framework. The Open Scripting Architecture serves as the foundation for AppleScript and other scripting technologies, enabling applications to communicate and execute commands across different software components. When a scripting addition plugin is loaded, the system should enforce strict security policies to prevent unauthorized code execution, particularly when dealing with privileged applications that operate with elevated system permissions.
The technical flaw manifests in the insufficient validation and restriction mechanisms that govern how scripting addition plugins are loaded and executed. Under normal circumstances, the system should verify the authenticity and security posture of any scripting addition before granting it access to privileged operations. However, this vulnerability allows local attackers to bypass these security checks, enabling them to load malicious scripting addition plugins that can execute commands with elevated privileges. The exploit demonstrates the use of osascript tell commands directed at ARDAgent, which is Apple Remote Desktop's agent responsible for remote desktop management. This particular target application operates with significant system privileges, making it an ideal vector for privilege escalation when exploited through the scripting architecture vulnerability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple local privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges. When an attacker successfully exploits this flaw, they can gain access to sensitive system resources, modify critical system files, install malicious software, and potentially establish persistent access to the compromised system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages legitimate system components that are expected to operate securely, making detection more difficult. Attackers can use this privilege escalation to perform actions such as accessing encrypted files, modifying system configurations, creating new user accounts, or disabling security mechanisms. The fact that this vulnerability affects multiple versions within the 10.4 and 10.5 series indicates a widespread exposure that would impact numerous systems in enterprise environments where these older operating systems might still be deployed.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access controls, specifically focusing on insufficient privilege management within scripting frameworks. The issue also maps to several ATT&CK techniques including privilege escalation through exploitation of software vulnerabilities, and execution through legitimate system tools. The attack vector demonstrates the exploitation of legitimate scripting functionality to achieve unauthorized access, which is a common pattern in advanced persistent threat campaigns. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management strategies to address this vulnerability, as well as consider network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of such exploits. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date system software and the risks associated with running outdated operating systems that may contain unpatched security flaws. System administrators should also monitor for suspicious scripting activity and implement additional security controls such as application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized script execution that could exploit similar vulnerabilities in the future.