CVE-2012-3698 in Xcode
Summary
by MITRE
Apple Xcode before 4.4 does not properly compose a designated requirement (DR) during signing of programs that lack bundle identifiers, which allows remote attackers to read keychain entries via a crafted app, as demonstrated by the keychain entries of a (1) helper tool or (2) command-line tool.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/29/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-3698 represents a critical security flaw in Apple Xcode versions prior to 4.4 that fundamentally undermines the code signing mechanism used to secure macOS applications. This weakness specifically targets the designated requirement (DR) composition process during the signing of programs that lack bundle identifiers, creating a pathway for remote attackers to exploit the system's security controls. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation and proper composition of security requirements when signing applications that do not possess standard bundle identifier structures, which are typically required for proper code signing operations.
The technical implementation of this flaw occurs during the code signing process where Xcode fails to correctly construct the designated requirement when dealing with applications lacking bundle identifiers. This improper handling creates a security boundary that allows malicious actors to craft specially designed applications that can bypass normal keychain access controls. The vulnerability specifically affects helper tools and command-line tools that operate outside the typical application sandboxing mechanisms, making them particularly susceptible to exploitation. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can access keychain entries that would normally be protected from unauthorized access, potentially exposing sensitive authentication credentials, encryption keys, and other security-relevant information stored within the system's keychain.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the trust model that underpins macOS security architecture. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain access to keychain entries that contain authentication tokens, passwords, and cryptographic keys used by system processes and applications. This access can lead to persistent unauthorized access to systems, data exfiltration, and the potential compromise of entire network infrastructures. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects helper tools and command-line utilities that often run with elevated privileges or have access to sensitive system resources. The attack vector is remote and does not require physical access to the target system, making it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to exploit systems at scale.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability center on upgrading to Apple Xcode 4.4 or later versions where the designated requirement composition has been properly implemented and validated. System administrators should immediately deploy this update across all development environments and ensure that all applications are re-signed with the corrected version of Xcode. Additionally, organizations should implement monitoring for suspicious code signing activities and ensure that only trusted, properly signed applications are executed within their environments. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access controls, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1552.001 for unsecured credentials and T1059.001 for command and script interpreter. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as application whitelisting, enhanced monitoring of keychain access patterns, and regular security assessments to identify potential exploitation attempts. The fix implemented in Xcode 4.4 addresses the core issue by ensuring proper designated requirement composition for all signed applications regardless of their bundle identifier status, thereby restoring the intended security boundaries of the code signing infrastructure.