CVE-2010-0498 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Directory Services in Apple Mac OS X before 10.6.3 does not properly perform authorization during processing of record names, which allows local users to gain privileges via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0498 resides within Apple Mac OS X directory services functionality, specifically affecting versions prior to 10.6.3. This issue represents a critical authorization flaw that undermines the security model of the operating system's directory services component. The vulnerability manifests during the processing of record names within the directory services framework, where the system fails to properly validate or authorize user requests. This weakness creates an exploitable condition that local attackers can leverage to escalate their privileges within the system environment. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental failure in access control mechanisms that should normally prevent unauthorized elevation of privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate authorization checks during record name processing within the directory services subsystem. When the system processes directory records, it does not sufficiently validate the legitimacy of the requesting user or the context of the operation being performed. This allows malicious local users to craft specific requests that bypass normal authorization procedures and gain elevated privileges. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that multiple attack paths may exist, potentially including manipulation of directory service queries, exploitation of record handling routines, or abuse of the underlying authentication framework. This lack of specificity in the vector description indicates the vulnerability may be more broadly applicable across various directory service operations rather than being limited to a single exploitation technique.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-0498 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity of the system's authorization model. Local users who exploit this vulnerability can potentially gain administrative privileges, access restricted system resources, and perform actions that should be limited to authorized administrators. This could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or the installation of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects the core directory services infrastructure that many system components depend upon, potentially creating cascading security issues throughout the operating system. Organizations running affected versions of Mac OS X face significant risk as this flaw could be exploited by malicious insiders or attackers who have already gained local access to a system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-0498 primarily focus on upgrading to Apple Mac OS X 10.6.3 or later versions where the vulnerability has been addressed. System administrators should prioritize patch management and ensure all affected systems receive the necessary security updates from Apple. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict access controls, monitoring directory service operations for anomalous behavior, and conducting regular security audits of system configurations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control issues, and represents a classic example of insufficient authorization checking in system components. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and could be leveraged as part of broader attack chains targeting macOS environments. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts targeting directory services. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining current security patches and demonstrates how flaws in core system components can create widespread security implications across enterprise environments.