CVE-2014-1317 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
iBooks Commerce in Apple OS X before 10.9.4 places Apple ID credentials in the iBooks log, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information by reading this file.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1317 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within Apple's iBooks Commerce functionality on macOS systems prior to version 10.9.4. This issue stems from the improper handling of authentication credentials within application logging mechanisms, creating a persistent security risk for users of affected operating systems. The vulnerability specifically affects the iBooks application's commerce features, which are integral components of Apple's ecosystem for digital book purchasing and management. When users engage with iBooks Commerce, the application generates log entries that contain Apple ID credentials, effectively exposing sensitive authentication information to unauthorized parties who gain access to the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a clear violation of secure coding practices and proper credential handling protocols. The iBooks Commerce module fails to properly sanitize or encrypt authentication data before writing it to log files, resulting in plaintext credentials being stored in accessible system locations. This flaw operates at the application level within the macOS operating system, specifically affecting the logging mechanisms used by Apple's proprietary software rather than underlying system components. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-312, which addresses "Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information," indicating that sensitive data is stored in an unencrypted format where it can be easily accessed by local users. The improper logging of credentials creates a persistent exposure that remains viable until the system is patched or the log files are manually cleared.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-1317 extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with persistent access to user Apple IDs and associated accounts. Local users who can access the system's file structure can directly read the iBooks log files to extract Apple ID credentials, which can then be used to access iCloud services, iTunes purchases, and other Apple ecosystem services. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001, which covers "Unsecured Credentials" and represents a common vector for privilege escalation and account takeover attacks. The exposure of Apple ID credentials can lead to unauthorized access to personal data, financial information from purchase histories, and potential exploitation of other services tied to the compromised accounts. The impact is particularly severe for users who maintain multiple Apple services with the same credentials, as a single compromise can cascade across their entire digital ecosystem.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate system updates and access controls. Apple's release of macOS 10.9.4 addressed this issue through proper credential sanitization in logging mechanisms, ensuring that sensitive information is no longer stored in plaintext within application logs. System administrators should implement immediate patch management protocols to ensure all affected systems receive the necessary security updates. Additionally, users should conduct manual verification of system logs and ensure that no Apple ID credentials are present in iBooks log files. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure logging practices and proper credential handling within application development, particularly for software that interfaces with user authentication systems. Organizations should implement monitoring for unusual log file access patterns and maintain strict access controls on system logging directories to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. The incident underscores the necessity of regular security assessments and proper input validation to prevent similar credential exposure vulnerabilities in future software releases.