CVE-2010-0545 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
The Finder in DesktopServices in Apple Mac OS X 10.5.8, and 10.6 before 10.6.4, does not set the expected file ownerships during an "Apply to enclosed items" action, which allows local users to bypass intended access restrictions via normal filesystem operations.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-0545 resides within the Finder application's DesktopServices component of Apple Mac OS X operating systems. This security flaw affects versions 10.5.8 and all prior 10.6 releases before 10.6.4, representing a critical access control weakness that undermines the operating system's file permission model. The vulnerability specifically manifests during the execution of "Apply to enclosed items" actions, which are commonly used to modify permissions across directory structures and their contents.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper file ownership handling within the Finder's implementation of the "Apply to enclosed items" functionality. When users attempt to modify permissions across a directory and its subdirectories using this feature, the Finder fails to correctly establish the expected file ownership relationships. This deviation from standard file system behavior creates a scenario where files and directories may retain incorrect ownership attributes, effectively bypassing the intended access controls that should govern file system operations. The flaw operates at the intersection of file system permission management and application-level user interface interactions, creating a persistent security gap that can be exploited by local attackers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple permission bypasses, as it fundamentally compromises the security model of Mac OS X systems. Local users who exploit this weakness can gain unauthorized access to files and directories that should be restricted to specific user groups or administrative privileges. This vulnerability enables attackers to circumvent access restrictions that would normally prevent them from reading, writing, or executing files in protected directories. The implications are particularly severe in multi-user environments where proper file ownership and access controls are essential for maintaining system integrity and preventing privilege escalation attacks.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a classic example of improper access control implementation, aligning with CWE-284 which addresses "Improper Access Control" in software security. The flaw demonstrates how seemingly benign user interface features can introduce critical security weaknesses when not properly validated against underlying file system security models. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and persistence, as attackers can use the bypassed access controls to maintain unauthorized access to system resources. The vulnerability's exploitation requires local system access but provides significant privilege escalation capabilities, making it a valuable target for attackers seeking to establish persistent access or escalate their privileges within the operating system environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-0545 should prioritize immediate system updates to Mac OS X versions 10.6.4 or later, which contain the necessary patches to correct the file ownership handling within the Finder application. System administrators should also implement monitoring for unusual file access patterns and ensure that proper file system permissions are maintained through regular audits. Additional protective measures include restricting local user access where possible, implementing mandatory access controls, and ensuring that users cannot perform operations that modify file ownership without proper authorization. The vulnerability underscores the importance of comprehensive security testing for user interface components that interact with fundamental system security features, particularly those involving file system operations and permission modifications.