CVE-2010-3783 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Password Server in Apple Mac OS X 10.5.8 and 10.6.x before 10.6.5 does not properly perform replication, which allows remote authenticated users to bypass verification of the current password via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3783 resides within Apple Mac OS X Password Server functionality, specifically affecting versions 10.5.8 and 10.6.x prior to 10.6.5. This issue represents a critical weakness in the system's authentication mechanisms that undermines the integrity of password verification processes. The flaw manifests during replication operations within the password server infrastructure, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the authentication system without proper credential validation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms during password replication procedures. When the password server attempts to synchronize authentication data across multiple systems, the replication process fails to adequately verify the authenticity of password changes or updates. This failure creates a window where authenticated users can manipulate the replication process to bypass current password verification requirements. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that the vulnerability could be exploited through various methods including network-based attacks or manipulation of replication protocols that govern how password information flows between server instances.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations relying on Mac OS X for authentication services. Remote authenticated users who can access the system with valid credentials can potentially escalate their privileges or gain unauthorized access to protected resources by circumventing password verification mechanisms. The impact extends beyond simple credential bypass as it undermines the fundamental security model of the authentication system, potentially allowing attackers to modify user accounts or access sensitive data without proper authorization. This weakness particularly affects environments where password server replication is actively used for maintaining consistent authentication across multiple systems or network segments.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues in software systems, and represents a specific implementation flaw in how access controls are enforced during replication operations. From an attack perspective, this weakness maps to several ATT&CK techniques including credential access and privilege escalation, as attackers can leverage the bypass to gain elevated system privileges or access restricted resources. The attack surface is expanded by the fact that the vulnerability requires only authenticated access, meaning that attackers who have already compromised legitimate user credentials can exploit this flaw to further compromise the system. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches, monitoring for unauthorized replication activities, and strengthening access controls around password server configurations to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.