CVE-2012-0675 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Time Machine in Apple Mac OS X before 10.7.4 does not require continued use of SRP-based authentication after this authentication method is first used, which allows remote attackers to read Time Capsule credentials by spoofing the backup volume.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2012-0675 represents a significant authentication weakness in Apple Mac OS X Time Machine functionality prior to version 10.7.4. This flaw specifically affects the Time Capsule backup system's handling of authentication methods, creating a persistent security gap that could be exploited by remote attackers. The issue stems from the operating system's failure to enforce continued use of Secure Remote Password (SRP) based authentication once it has been initially established, allowing unauthorized access to backup volumes through credential interception and spoofing techniques.
The technical flaw manifests in the authentication process where Time Machine, when connecting to a Time Capsule backup device, initially accepts SRP-based authentication but fails to maintain this secure authentication method throughout the session. This creates a window of opportunity for attackers to intercept the authentication process and subsequently spoof the backup volume to gain access to stored credentials. The vulnerability operates at the network protocol level where authentication tokens or session keys may be reused without proper re-authentication, effectively bypassing the security controls that should prevent unauthorized access to backup data. This behavior directly violates the principle of least privilege and continuous authentication that should be enforced in secure backup systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft to encompass potential data exfiltration and system compromise. Attackers exploiting this weakness could gain access to sensitive backup data stored on Time Capsule devices, potentially including personal information, business documents, and system configurations. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the network or devices, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where backup systems often contain critical operational data. This weakness could enable attackers to establish persistent access points through backup systems that are typically considered secure and isolated from regular network traffic.
The security implications align with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1078.004 for legitimate credentials usage and T1567.002 for credentials from password stores. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to Mac OS X 10.7.4 or later versions where this vulnerability has been addressed. Network segmentation and monitoring of Time Capsule traffic can help detect unauthorized access attempts, while disabling unnecessary backup services and implementing stronger authentication controls on backup devices provides additional defense layers. Regular security assessments of backup systems should include verification of authentication method enforcement and session management controls to prevent similar vulnerabilities from persisting in organizational environments.