CVE-2010-1375 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
NetAuthSysAgent in Network Authorization in Apple Mac OS X 10.5.8 does not have the expected authorization requirements, which allows local users to gain privileges via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1375 resides within the NetAuthSysAgent component of Apple Mac OS X 10.5.8, specifically within the Network Authorization framework. This issue represents a privilege escalation vulnerability that affects the authorization mechanisms governing network authentication services. The flaw manifests in the improper implementation of authorization checks within the system agent responsible for managing network authentication processes. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of privilege requirements, creating a scenario where local users can exploit the system without proper authentication or authorization. This represents a fundamental breakdown in the operating system's security model, particularly concerning network-related administrative functions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the NetAuthSysAgent service failing to properly enforce authorization requirements that should normally restrict access to privileged network authentication functions. The unspecified vectors suggest that multiple attack paths exist within the authorization framework, potentially involving manipulation of system calls, process injection, or exploitation of insufficient access controls. This flaw operates at the system level where local users can leverage the weakened authorization checks to elevate their privileges without requiring legitimate administrative credentials. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of insufficient authorization validation where the system assumes certain operations are safe without proper verification of user permissions or roles. This type of flaw is categorized under CWE-284 which specifically addresses improper access control issues, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 for local privilege escalation.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-1375 is significant for Mac OS X 10.5.8 systems, as it allows any local user to potentially gain administrative privileges without proper authentication. This creates a severe security risk where unauthorized individuals could access sensitive network resources, modify system configurations, or escalate their access to perform administrative functions. The vulnerability essentially undermines the system's ability to maintain proper access controls, potentially allowing attackers to bypass network security measures and gain unauthorized access to network resources. Organizations running affected versions of Mac OS X are particularly vulnerable since the flaw exists at the core of the operating system's authorization framework. The local nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require network connectivity or external attack vectors, making it particularly dangerous in environments where physical access to systems is possible.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1375 should prioritize immediate system updates to the latest available versions of Mac OS X where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper authorization implementation. System administrators should ensure that all affected systems are updated with the appropriate security patches from Apple, as the vulnerability represents a critical flaw in the authorization subsystem. Additionally, organizations should implement monitoring for unauthorized privilege escalation attempts and review system access controls to identify any potential exploitation. Network segmentation and least privilege principles should be enforced to minimize the impact if exploitation occurs. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper authorization framework implementation and serves as a reminder of the critical need to validate all system access controls. Security teams should also consider implementing additional logging and alerting mechanisms around network authentication services to detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any other components that might be affected by similar authorization flaws and ensure comprehensive system hardening practices are implemented across all networked systems.