CVE-2010-1802 in libsecurity
Summary
by MITRE
libsecurity in Apple Mac OS X 10.5.8 and 10.6.4 does not properly perform comparisons to domain-name strings in X.509 certificates, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof SSL servers via a certificate associated with a similar domain name, as demonstrated by use of a www.example.con certificate to spoof www.example.com.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1802 resides within the libsecurity framework of Apple Mac OS X versions 10.5.8 and 10.6.4, representing a critical flaw in the certificate validation process that undermines the fundamental security assurances provided by SSL/TLS protocols. This issue specifically targets the domain name comparison mechanisms employed when validating X.509 certificates, creating a pathway for sophisticated man-in-the-middle attacks that exploit subtle differences in domain naming conventions. The flaw demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation details in cryptographic validation can have profound security implications, particularly when dealing with the trust relationships that govern secure communications across the internet.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper string comparison algorithms within the certificate validation process, where the system fails to correctly handle domain name matching between certificate subjects and the actual host being accessed. This weakness allows attackers to craft certificates with domain names that are visually or syntactically similar to legitimate domains, specifically exploiting the lack of strict validation when comparing domain components. The demonstrated attack vector involves using a certificate with a domain name ending in .con instead of .com to deceive users into believing they are communicating with a legitimate server, thereby bypassing the certificate validation mechanisms that should prevent such spoofing attempts.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-1802 extends beyond simple certificate validation failures, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity of secure communications on affected Mac OS X systems. This vulnerability enables attackers to establish fraudulent secure connections that appear legitimate to end users, potentially capturing sensitive information transmitted over supposedly secure channels. The attack's effectiveness relies on the human tendency to overlook subtle differences in domain names, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may not scrutinize URL components carefully. Security professionals recognize this as a prime example of how user experience considerations can inadvertently create security weaknesses in cryptographic implementations.
Organizations and system administrators should prioritize immediate remediation of this vulnerability through the application of Apple's security updates, as the window for exploitation remains open until the underlying validation logic is corrected. The implementation of proper domain name comparison algorithms, including strict matching protocols that consider all domain components and enforce exact string equality, represents the primary mitigation strategy. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-295 which addresses improper certificate validation and relates to ATT&CK technique T1573.002 concerning secure protocol violations. Additionally, the issue demonstrates the broader category of trust relationship exploitation that affects certificate-based authentication systems and underscores the critical importance of maintaining strict validation standards in cryptographic implementations.