CVE-2014-4440 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
The MCX Desktop Config Profiles implementation in Apple OS X before 10.10 retains web-proxy settings from uninstalled mobile-configuration profiles, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information in opportunistic circumstances by leveraging access to an unintended proxy server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/23/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4440 represents a significant security flaw within Apple's macOS operating system affecting versions prior to 10.10. This issue specifically impacts the Mobile Configuration (MCX) Desktop Config Profiles implementation, which is responsible for managing system-wide configuration settings including network proxy configurations. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of proxy settings when mobile configuration profiles are removed from the system, creating a persistent security risk that can be exploited by remote attackers.
The technical flaw occurs when mobile configuration profiles containing web proxy settings are uninstalled from macOS systems. Rather than completely clearing these proxy configurations from the system's memory and registry, the implementation retains these settings in a manner that persists beyond the profile's intended lifecycle. This retention mechanism creates a scenario where proxy configurations from previously installed profiles can remain active even after the profile itself has been removed, effectively leaving behind unintended network routing configurations that can be leveraged by malicious actors.
This vulnerability enables remote attackers to obtain sensitive information through opportunistic network attacks by exploiting the retained proxy settings. When a system continues to use proxy configurations from uninstalled profiles, it can inadvertently route network traffic through unintended proxy servers that may be controlled by attackers. The operational impact is particularly concerning because it allows for persistent network interception and data exfiltration without requiring direct system compromise or elevated privileges. The vulnerability essentially creates a backdoor network path that can be used to monitor and manipulate network communications.
The security implications extend beyond simple information disclosure to include potential man-in-the-middle attacks and credential theft through proxy-based interception. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to redirect traffic through compromised proxy servers, potentially capturing sensitive data such as login credentials, personal information, and business communications. This represents a violation of network security principles and can undermine the integrity of network communications within affected organizations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200 (Information Exposure) and potentially CWE-264 (Permissions, Privileges, and Access Controls) as it creates unintended access paths through improper configuration handling.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to macOS 10.10 or later versions where this vulnerability has been addressed, conducting thorough inventory audits of installed mobile configuration profiles, and implementing network monitoring to detect anomalous proxy behavior. System administrators should also establish procedures for proper profile removal and verification that ensures complete cleanup of proxy settings. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1071.004 (Application Layer Protocol: DNS) and potentially T1566 (Phishing) as attackers may use the retained proxy configurations to redirect users to malicious sites or intercept communications, making this a critical vulnerability requiring immediate attention in enterprise security environments.