CVE-2009-2828 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
The server in DirectoryService in Apple Mac OS X 10.5.8 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption and application crash) via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2828 resides within the DirectoryService component of Apple Mac OS X version 10.5.8, representing a critical security flaw that affects the operating system's server functionality. This issue manifests in the directory service server implementation, which serves as a foundational component for network authentication and user management within macOS environments. The vulnerability's significance stems from its potential to enable remote code execution or system denial of service conditions, making it a prime target for malicious actors seeking to compromise macOS systems. DirectoryService plays a crucial role in maintaining network connectivity and user authentication across enterprise environments, particularly in scenarios where macOS systems interact with Active Directory or other directory services. The unspecified vectors in the original description suggest that multiple attack pathways exist within the server implementation, potentially encompassing various network protocols or service interfaces that could be exploited.
Technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves memory corruption mechanisms that can be triggered through crafted network requests or service interactions with the DirectoryService server. The flaw likely exists within memory management functions or buffer handling routines where insufficient input validation or improper memory allocation occurs. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-119: Improper Access to Memory and CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write, both of which relate to memory corruption issues that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that DirectoryService typically operates on standard network ports and protocols, making it accessible to remote attackers without requiring physical access to the system. The memory corruption aspect suggests that attackers can manipulate heap or stack memory structures through malformed input, potentially leading to code execution in the context of the DirectoryService process. This process often runs with elevated privileges, making successful exploitation particularly dangerous as it could allow attackers to gain system-level access or cause persistent service disruptions.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-2828 extends beyond individual system compromise to affect entire network infrastructures that depend on macOS directory services. Organizations relying on Mac OS X for network authentication, user management, or directory synchronization could experience widespread service disruption when this vulnerability is exploited. The denial of service component particularly affects enterprise environments where macOS systems serve as directory servers for Active Directory integration or LDAP services, potentially causing authentication failures across multiple networked applications. Remote code execution capabilities could enable attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malware within the network. The vulnerability's presence in Mac OS X 10.5.8 indicates that it was likely present in older versions of macOS where security patches were not yet implemented, making organizations with legacy systems particularly vulnerable. This type of vulnerability is categorized under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as part of the privilege escalation and defense evasion tactics, where attackers can leverage service vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to systems and maintain persistence.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-2828 should prioritize immediate system updates and patches provided by Apple, as this vulnerability was addressed through security updates released in subsequent macOS versions. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to DirectoryService ports and services, particularly when these services are not required for specific network segments. The implementation of network monitoring and intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts targeting directory service protocols. System administrators should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected versions of macOS and ensure all directory service configurations follow security best practices. Regular security audits of macOS systems should include checks for outdated services and unnecessary directory service functionality that could expose systems to this type of attack. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation can limit the impact of successful exploitation attempts, while maintaining detailed logging of directory service activities can aid in forensic analysis if compromise occurs. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining current security patches and the critical role that directory services play in enterprise security infrastructure.