CVE-2011-3436 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Open Directory in Apple Mac OS X 10.7 before 10.7.2 does not require a user to provide the current password before changing this password, which allows remote attackers to bypass intended password-change restrictions by leveraging an unattended workstation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2025
This vulnerability exists in Apple Mac OS X version 10.7 prior to 10.7.2 where the operating system fails to enforce proper authentication controls during password modification processes. The flaw represents a critical security weakness in the system's access control mechanisms, specifically within the password change functionality that should require explicit user authentication before allowing modifications to account credentials. The vulnerability stems from the absence of a mandatory password verification step that would normally be required to confirm the identity of the user attempting to change their password.
The technical implementation of this flaw allows remote attackers to exploit an unattended workstation by directly modifying user passwords without providing the current password. This creates a privilege escalation scenario where unauthorized individuals can gain access to user accounts simply by leveraging the system's failure to validate existing credentials before accepting new password changes. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the operating system level and affects the fundamental security controls that protect user authentication mechanisms. This weakness enables attackers to bypass intended security restrictions that are designed to prevent unauthorized password modifications and maintain account integrity.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it fundamentally undermines the security model of the operating system's authentication framework. An attacker with physical access to an unattended workstation can leverage this flaw to gain persistent access to user accounts without requiring knowledge of the current password, effectively neutralizing the security benefits of password-based authentication. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-305 authentication bypass weakness and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1078.004 for legitimate credentials, as it allows unauthorized access through the exploitation of legitimate authentication flows that should require verification. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where unattended workstations are common and could enable attackers to maintain long-term access to systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate system updates to Mac OS X 10.7.2 or later versions where Apple has implemented proper authentication requirements for password changes. Organizations should also implement additional security controls such as enforcing automatic screen locking after periods of inactivity, implementing strong session management policies, and ensuring that workstations are properly secured when unattended. System administrators should consider deploying additional monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized password change activities and establish proper access control policies that limit who can perform password modifications. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper authentication flow implementation and highlights the need for robust credential management controls that prevent unauthorized modifications to user accounts through legitimate system interfaces.