CVE-2012-3720 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Mobile Accounts in Apple Mac OS X before 10.7.5 and 10.8.x before 10.8.2 saves password hashes for external-account use even if external accounts are not enabled, which might allow remote attackers to determine passwords via unspecified access to a mobile account.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2012-3720 represents a significant security flaw in Apple Mac OS X operating systems prior to specific patch versions. This issue affects both Mac OS X 10.7.5 and 10.8.2 releases, creating a persistent risk for systems that utilize mobile accounts. The flaw stems from improper handling of password hash storage mechanisms within the system's account management framework, specifically when mobile accounts are configured or in use. Mobile accounts are designed to allow users to log into a Mac system using credentials from an external directory service such as Active Directory or LDAP, but they can also function independently when external services are not configured.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the system's failure to properly isolate password hash storage when external account functionality is disabled. This creates a scenario where password hashes are maintained in a location accessible to the system even when mobile account features are not actively engaged. The flaw operates under the principle of information exposure through improper access control, where sensitive authentication data remains accessible to unauthorized entities. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows attackers to obtain password hashes without requiring elevated privileges or direct system compromise, as these hashes are stored in locations that may be accessible through various attack vectors. This behavior violates the principle of least privilege and creates an unexpected attack surface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it creates a persistent backdoor for attackers seeking to compromise user accounts. When external accounts are not enabled but mobile account functionality remains configured, the system continues to store password hashes that can be accessed by local attackers or those who gain access to the mobile account files. This situation creates a false sense of security for administrators who believe that disabling external account features has fully secured the authentication system. The vulnerability allows for offline password cracking attacks where attackers can obtain the stored hashes and attempt to reverse-engineer the original passwords through dictionary attacks or brute force methods. This risk is exacerbated by the fact that the hashes are stored in locations that are not properly protected from unauthorized access, creating a persistent threat vector that exists even when the mobile account is not actively in use.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require a multi-layered approach that addresses both immediate system configuration and long-term security practices. System administrators should immediately update to the patched versions of Mac OS X 10.7.5 and 10.8.2, which resolve the improper hash storage behavior. Additionally, organizations should implement strict access controls on mobile account directories and ensure that unnecessary mobile account configurations are disabled entirely. The remediation process should include thorough auditing of all mobile account settings to identify any systems that may still be vulnerable due to incomplete patching or misconfiguration. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual access patterns to mobile account directories, and regular vulnerability assessments should be conducted to ensure that no other similar issues exist within the system's authentication framework. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses improper information exposure, and represents a specific case where the system fails to properly restrict access to sensitive authentication data. The attack surface reduction measures should also include implementing proper file system permissions and ensuring that mobile account functionality is only enabled when explicitly required for system operations.