CVE-2011-0190 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Install Helper in Installer in Apple Mac OS X before 10.6.7 does not properly process an unspecified URL, which might allow remote attackers to track user logins by logging network traffic from an agent that was intended to send network traffic to an Apple server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0190 resides within the Install Helper component of Apple Mac OS X installer prior to version 10.6.7, representing a significant security flaw that undermines user privacy and system integrity. This issue stems from improper URL processing mechanisms within the installer framework, specifically affecting how the system handles network requests during installation processes. The vulnerability creates an unintended communication channel that can be exploited by remote attackers to monitor and track user activities, particularly login sessions, through the interception of network traffic that should remain private and secure.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the Install Helper application's failure to properly sanitize or validate URL parameters when establishing network connections during software installation procedures. When users initiate installations, the system attempts to communicate with Apple's servers to verify software authenticity or retrieve additional installation components. However, the flawed URL processing logic allows malicious actors to manipulate or monitor these network transactions, potentially capturing sensitive information including user credentials, session identifiers, and other confidential data that flows through the compromised communication channel. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of network security and application security, creating a pathway for passive surveillance that violates fundamental privacy principles.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0190 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates persistent monitoring capabilities that can be leveraged for extended tracking of user behavior and login patterns. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to establish long-term surveillance of user activities, potentially building detailed profiles of system usage, login times, and behavioral patterns. The flaw particularly affects users running Mac OS X versions before 10.6.7, making them vulnerable to attacks that could compromise their login sessions and overall system security. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation, and represents a classic case of insufficient validation of network communications that can be exploited for surveillance purposes.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates to Mac OS X version 10.6.7 or later, which includes the necessary patches to address the URL processing flaws in the Install Helper component. Organizations should implement network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on unusual connections to Apple servers during installation processes. The remediation process should also include comprehensive security assessments of installation procedures and network configurations to ensure that no additional attack vectors remain unaddressed. Security teams should consider implementing network segmentation and traffic filtering rules to limit the exposure of installation processes to external monitoring, while also maintaining proper audit logging to track any suspicious network activity that might indicate exploitation attempts.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in system components that handle network communications, particularly those involved in installation and update processes where users trust the system to maintain privacy and security. The flaw represents a breach in the principle of least privilege, where the installation process inadvertently exposes user information to potential attackers. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving network sniffing and credential exposure, highlighting the need for comprehensive network security measures. The incident underscores the necessity of regular security updates and the importance of maintaining current system versions to protect against known vulnerabilities that can be exploited for surveillance and data collection purposes.