CVE-2011-0178 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
The FSFindFolder API in CarbonCore in Apple Mac OS X before 10.6.7 provides a world-readable directory in response to a call with the kTemporaryFolderType flag, which allows local users to obtain potentially sensitive information by accessing this directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2011-0178 resides within the CarbonCore framework of Apple Mac OS X operating systems, specifically affecting versions prior to 10.6.7. This issue manifests through the FSFindFolder API which is designed to locate standard system folders such as temporary directories. When applications invoke this API with the kTemporaryFolderType flag, the system returns a directory path that has been configured with world-readable permissions, creating an unintended information disclosure channel. The CarbonCore framework serves as a legacy compatibility layer that provides backward compatibility for older Mac OS X applications while maintaining core system functionality.
The technical flaw stems from improper permission management within the temporary folder creation process. The FSFindFolder API, when configured to return temporary folders, fails to properly set restrictive permissions on the returned directory path. This allows any local user account to read the contents of this directory, potentially exposing sensitive information that might have been written by other applications or processes. The vulnerability specifically leverages the kTemporaryFolderType flag which is intended to provide applications with access to a temporary storage location, but the implementation does not adequately secure this location against unauthorized access from other users. This represents a classic privilege escalation and information disclosure issue where a system component fails to enforce proper access controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a persistent security weakness that can be exploited by local attackers to gain insights into system operations and potentially sensitive data. Local users can access temporary files created by other applications, which may contain user credentials, session information, or application-specific data that could be valuable for further exploitation. The vulnerability affects all applications running on affected Mac OS X versions that utilize the CarbonCore framework and make calls to FSFindFolder with the kTemporaryFolderType flag. This creates a widespread risk across the installed base of applications that depend on legacy system APIs, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where multiple users share the same system. The attack vector is straightforward requiring only local system access and does not necessitate network connectivity or complex exploitation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0178 focus primarily on system updates and permission hardening. The most effective remediation involves upgrading to Mac OS X 10.6.7 or later versions where Apple has implemented proper permission controls for temporary directories. System administrators should also consider implementing additional access controls through discretionary access control mechanisms and monitoring for unauthorized access to temporary directories. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper permissions for a resource, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers directory and file permissions modification. Organizations should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify applications still using the vulnerable CarbonCore APIs and ensure that all systems are patched according to Apple's security advisories. Regular monitoring of temporary directory access logs can help detect potential exploitation attempts and provide early warning of security incidents.