CVE-2011-3452 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Internet Sharing in Apple Mac OS X before 10.7.3 does not preserve the Wi-Fi configuration across software updates, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information by leveraging the lack of a WEP password for a Wi-Fi network.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2011-3452 represents a significant security flaw in Apple Mac OS X operating systems prior to version 10.7.3, specifically within the Internet Sharing feature. This issue stems from the improper handling of Wi-Fi configuration persistence during software update processes, creating a persistent security weakness that attackers can exploit to gain unauthorized access to network credentials and sensitive information.
The technical flaw manifests in the failure of the Internet Sharing functionality to maintain Wi-Fi network configurations across system updates. When Mac OS X undergoes software updates, the system typically resets or reinitializes network settings, but in this case, the Wi-Fi configuration data does not properly persist. This creates a window of opportunity where attackers can manipulate the system state to access previously configured Wi-Fi networks, particularly those utilizing WEP encryption which is inherently weak and vulnerable to various attacks. The vulnerability specifically exploits the absence of proper WEP password preservation, allowing remote adversaries to obtain sensitive network credentials through manipulation of the update process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables attackers to establish persistent network access and potentially escalate their privileges within the compromised environment. The weakness creates a persistent backdoor that can be leveraged for reconnaissance, data exfiltration, and further network penetration attempts. Attackers can exploit this flaw to gain unauthorized access to wireless networks, particularly those with weak WEP encryption, and maintain access even after system updates occur. This vulnerability affects the fundamental security model of the operating system's network management and can compromise the confidentiality and integrity of wireless communications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates to Mac OS X version 10.7.3 or later, which addresses the Wi-Fi configuration persistence issue. Organizations should also implement additional security controls such as enforcing WPA2 encryption standards instead of WEP, regularly auditing network configurations, and monitoring for unauthorized network access attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses "Information Exposure," and represents a specific instance of improper information handling during system operations. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving credential access and privilege escalation, particularly T1566 for credential harvesting and T1078 for valid accounts usage. Network administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect anomalous network behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of proper configuration management and the need for robust update mechanisms that preserve security-relevant settings during system maintenance operations.