CVE-2011-3214 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
IOGraphics in Apple Mac OS X through 10.6.8 does not properly handle a locked-screen state in display sleep mode for an Apple Cinema Display, which allows physically proximate attackers to bypass the password requirement via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3214 resides within the IOGraphics framework of Apple Mac OS X versions 10.6.8 and earlier, specifically affecting the handling of display sleep modes in conjunction with locked-screen states. This issue manifests when an Apple Cinema Display enters sleep mode while the system screen remains locked, creating a security gap that allows attackers with physical proximity to bypass authentication mechanisms. The flaw represents a critical weakness in the operating system's power management and security integration, particularly concerning the transition states between active and sleep modes.
The technical implementation flaw stems from improper state management within the IOGraphics subsystem where the system fails to maintain consistent security posture during display sleep transitions. When a display enters sleep mode while the screen is locked, the operating system should enforce the same security requirements regardless of the display state. However, this vulnerability enables attackers to exploit the inconsistent handling of authentication contexts, potentially allowing them to access the system without proper authentication credentials. The unspecified vectors suggest that the attack could occur through various physical proximity methods such as keyboard input interception, mouse manipulation, or other hardware-level interactions that exploit the timing gap between display sleep and screen lock enforcement.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it compromises the fundamental security model of Mac OS X systems. Attackers with physical access to a locked machine can potentially execute malicious activities, access sensitive data, or perform system modifications without proper authentication. This weakness particularly affects enterprise environments where Mac systems may be left unattended in shared workspaces or public areas, creating opportunities for unauthorized individuals to exploit the vulnerability. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions of Mac OS X indicates a systemic issue in the power management security architecture that required significant architectural changes to address properly.
Security professionals should note this vulnerability's alignment with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in operating system security contexts, and its relationship to ATT&CK technique T1547.001, which covers registry run keys and startup items. The flaw demonstrates how power management features can inadvertently create security vulnerabilities when not properly integrated with authentication mechanisms. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling display sleep during screen lock states, ensuring proper firmware updates, and establishing physical security controls for systems that cannot be updated to patched versions. The vulnerability underscores the importance of comprehensive security testing during power management implementation and highlights the need for consistent security posture maintenance across all system states including sleep and hibernation modes.