CVE-2010-1834 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
CFNetwork in Apple Mac OS X 10.6.x before 10.6.5 does not properly validate the domains of cookies, which makes it easier for remote web servers to track users by setting a cookie that is associated with a partial IP address.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/05/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1834 resides within Apple Mac OS X 10.6.x operating systems prior to version 10.6.5, specifically affecting the CFNetwork framework component. This flaw represents a significant privacy and security concern that stems from inadequate cookie domain validation mechanisms within the operating system's network stack. The issue manifests when remote web servers attempt to set cookies that are associated with partial IP address representations, creating an avenue for persistent user tracking across different websites and sessions.
The technical flaw involves the CFNetwork framework's insufficient validation of cookie domain attributes during HTTP response processing. When a web server sets a cookie with a domain attribute that contains a partial IP address representation, the system fails to properly validate whether this domain actually corresponds to the originating server's true network identity. This validation gap allows malicious or even benign web servers to craft cookies that can persistently track user activities across multiple domains, effectively bypassing standard browser privacy controls and session management mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically relates to how the system interprets and processes cookie domain attributes that contain IP address components rather than traditional domain names.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privacy concerns to encompass broader security implications for Mac OS X users. Attackers can exploit this weakness to create persistent tracking mechanisms that monitor user behavior across different websites, potentially gathering sensitive information about browsing patterns, preferences, and online activities. This tracking capability undermines the fundamental privacy protections that users expect from their operating system's network security features. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level rather than within individual browser applications, making it more difficult to detect and mitigate through standard browser security measures.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-295, which addresses improper certificate validation, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1566 for credential access through social engineering. The flaw enables persistent tracking that can be leveraged for advanced user profiling and potential identity theft. Organizations and individuals using affected Mac OS X versions face increased risk of targeted tracking campaigns and surveillance activities that exploit this domain validation weakness.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1834 primarily involve updating to Apple Mac OS X 10.6.5 or later versions where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper cookie domain validation mechanisms. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all affected systems receive the necessary security updates. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks associated with visiting untrusted websites and the importance of maintaining current operating system versions. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect anomalous cookie behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The fix implemented by Apple addresses the core validation issue by ensuring that cookie domain attributes are properly verified against the actual network identity of the originating server, thereby preventing the use of partial IP address representations for tracking purposes.