CVE-2008-4215 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Weblog in Mac OS X Server 10.4.11 does not properly check an error condition when a weblog posting access control list is specified for a user that has multiple short names, which might allow attackers to bypass intended access restrictions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/19/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4215 resides within the weblog functionality of Mac OS X Server version 10.4.11, representing a critical access control flaw that undermines the security posture of the system. This issue specifically manifests when the system processes weblog posting access control lists for user accounts that possess multiple short names, creating an environment where improper error handling allows unauthorized access to restricted content. The flaw stems from the operating system's failure to adequately validate error conditions during the access control list processing phase, which creates a potential pathway for attackers to circumvent intended security measures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the interaction between the weblog subsystem and the user account management system within Mac OS X Server 10.4.11. When a user account contains multiple short names, the system's access control list processing mechanism encounters an error condition that is not properly handled. This improper error handling creates a scenario where the system may inadvertently grant access to weblog posting functionality that should be restricted to specific users or groups. The flaw operates at the intersection of user authentication and access control enforcement, where the system's failure to validate error conditions results in a privilege escalation scenario. According to CWE classification, this represents a weakness in error handling that allows bypass of access control mechanisms, specifically categorized under CWE-252 Improper Check for a Restricted Resource and CWE-254 Security Misconfiguration.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-4215 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, potentially enabling attackers to gain elevated privileges within the weblog environment and possibly affecting broader system security. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could potentially post content to restricted weblog sections, modify existing posts, or gain access to sensitive information that should only be available to authorized users. The vulnerability's exploitation requires knowledge of specific user account configurations with multiple short names, making it somewhat targeted but still potentially dangerous in environments where such configurations exist. This flaw directly relates to the ATT&CK technique T1078 Valid Accounts, as it allows unauthorized access through legitimate user accounts that have been improperly configured, and T1548.001 Account Manipulation, as it enables attackers to manipulate access controls through the error handling mechanism.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-4215 should focus on immediate system updates and configuration hardening measures. The primary remediation involves upgrading to a supported version of Mac OS X Server that addresses this specific vulnerability, as Apple has released patches for subsequent versions that properly handle error conditions in access control list processing. System administrators should also implement strict user account management policies to minimize the occurrence of multiple short names for user accounts, particularly those with administrative privileges or access to sensitive weblog content. Additional protective measures include implementing network-level access controls, monitoring weblog access logs for suspicious activity, and conducting regular security audits of user account configurations. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper error handling in security-critical systems and underscores the need for comprehensive testing of access control mechanisms under various user account configurations, particularly those involving complex user management scenarios. Organizations should also consider implementing automated tools to identify and remediate accounts with potentially problematic configurations that could be exploited through similar error handling vulnerabilities.