CVE-2011-3435 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Open Directory in Apple Mac OS X 10.7 before 10.7.2 allows local users to read the password data of arbitrary users via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3435 represents a significant security flaw in Apple Mac OS X 10.7 operating system versions prior to 10.7.2. This issue manifests as an open directory access vulnerability that fundamentally compromises user authentication data security. The vulnerability specifically affects the system's handling of password information, creating a pathway for local attackers to access sensitive credential data without proper authorization. The unspecified vectors referenced in the description indicate that the vulnerability can be exploited through multiple attack pathways, making it particularly concerning from a security perspective. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of user authentication mechanisms, potentially allowing unauthorized access to multiple user accounts within the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper access controls within the operating system's directory services or authentication subsystem. When a local user exploits this weakness, they can bypass normal authentication procedures and gain access to password data structures that should remain protected. This typically involves leveraging insufficient validation of user permissions or inadequate access control lists that govern who can read specific system files. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues in software systems. From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability creates a persistent risk for any local user with access to the system, as they can potentially enumerate and extract password hashes or other authentication data for arbitrary user accounts. The impact extends beyond simple credential theft, as this information can be used for lateral movement, privilege escalation, or further attacks within the network environment.
The operational implications of CVE-2011-3435 are substantial for organizations relying on Mac OS X systems, particularly in enterprise environments where multiple user accounts exist. Local privilege escalation becomes possible when attackers can read password data, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This vulnerability also creates opportunities for credential stuffing attacks if password hashes are obtained and can be cracked using rainbow tables or brute force methods. Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability operates at the system level, meaning it can be exploited without requiring network connectivity or external attack vectors. The attack surface is broad since any local user account can potentially exploit this weakness, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments or shared computing scenarios. Organizations should consider this vulnerability in their risk assessments and ensure that all Mac OS X systems are updated to version 10.7.2 or later to mitigate this exposure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3435 primarily focus on immediate system updates and enhanced access controls. The most effective remediation involves deploying the official Apple security update that addresses this vulnerability in Mac OS X 10.7.2. Organizations should also implement additional security measures such as regular system audits, monitoring for unauthorized local access attempts, and ensuring that user accounts have appropriate permissions and access levels. Network segmentation and principle of least privilege implementations can help reduce the potential impact if the vulnerability is exploited. Security teams should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected versions and prioritize patching efforts accordingly. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting local account access and credential access methods. Regular security monitoring and log analysis should be implemented to detect any suspicious activities related to user authentication data access patterns.