CVE-2011-3463 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
WebDAV Sharing in Apple Mac OS X 10.7.x before 10.7.3 does not properly perform authentication, which allows local users to gain privileges by leveraging access to (1) the server or (2) a bound directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3463 represents a critical authentication flaw within the WebDAV sharing functionality of Apple Mac OS X 10.7.x systems prior to version 10.7.3. This issue stems from insufficient authentication mechanisms that allow unauthorized local users to escalate their privileges through compromised server access or bound directory exploitation. The flaw specifically affects the WebDAV service implementation in the operating system's file sharing capabilities, creating a pathway for privilege escalation that directly impacts system security integrity.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of authentication checks within the WebDAV sharing component. When users attempt to access WebDAV resources, the system fails to adequately validate credentials or enforce proper access controls, particularly when dealing with server-level or directory-bound resources. This authentication bypass occurs because the system does not properly verify user credentials before granting access to sensitive resources, allowing local attackers with minimal privileges to potentially escalate their access rights. The vulnerability manifests when an attacker can either gain access to the WebDAV server itself or exploit a bound directory that has been configured for WebDAV sharing, creating multiple attack vectors for privilege escalation.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-3463 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to potentially gain administrative privileges on affected systems. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and can result in complete system compromise when exploited by malicious actors. Local users who can access the WebDAV server or bound directories can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system modification, or persistent access to the compromised machine. The vulnerability affects all Mac OS X 10.7.x versions before 10.7.3, making it particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of these operating system versions in enterprise environments.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems. The flaw demonstrates a classic privilege escalation vulnerability that can be exploited through local access vectors, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users share the same system or where local privilege escalation is not properly mitigated. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the use of service misconfigurations and authentication bypasses to gain elevated system access. Organizations affected by this vulnerability face significant risk of unauthorized system access and potential data breaches, as the flaw allows attackers to bypass standard security controls that would normally prevent privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3463 primarily focus on immediate system updates and configuration hardening. The most effective solution involves upgrading affected Mac OS X systems to version 10.7.3 or later, which includes the necessary patches to address the authentication bypass vulnerability. System administrators should also implement additional security controls such as disabling unnecessary WebDAV services, restricting local user access to server resources, and implementing proper access controls for bound directories. Network segmentation and monitoring of WebDAV traffic can help detect potential exploitation attempts, while regular security audits should verify that authentication mechanisms are properly configured and functioning as intended. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication and privilege management controls to reduce the overall attack surface and minimize the impact of similar vulnerabilities in the future.