CVE-2014-4441 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
NetFS Client Framework in Apple OS X before 10.10 does not ensure that the disabling of File Sharing is always possible, which allows remote attackers to read or write to files by leveraging a state in which File Sharing is permanently enabled.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/23/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-4441 represents a critical flaw in Apple's NetFS Client Framework affecting OS X versions prior to 10.10. This issue stems from insufficient implementation of file sharing state management mechanisms within the operating system's network file system client infrastructure. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the system fails to properly enforce the disabling of file sharing functionality, creating a persistent state where remote attackers can exploit this condition to gain unauthorized access to files. The flaw exists at the intersection of network file system operations and access control mechanisms, where the system's inability to maintain consistent security states creates exploitable conditions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a state management failure within the NetFS Client Framework that governs how file sharing permissions are handled across network connections. When the framework encounters certain error conditions or transition states during file sharing operations, it fails to properly reset or disable the sharing mechanisms that should be active only under specific administrative control. This creates a scenario where even after a user or administrator attempts to disable file sharing, the system maintains an enabled state that persists across sessions and reboots. The underlying issue can be categorized under CWE-665 Improper Initialization and CWE-707 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command, as the framework does not properly handle the cleanup of network sharing states.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables remote attackers to perform unauthorized read and write operations on files within the affected system's file sharing scope. The persistent enablement of file sharing creates a continuous attack surface that allows adversaries to access sensitive data without requiring additional authentication or privilege escalation. Attackers can leverage this condition to exfiltrate confidential information, modify critical system files, or establish persistence mechanisms through file system manipulation. The impact extends beyond simple data access, as the vulnerability can be exploited to compromise the integrity and confidentiality of the entire system, particularly when combined with other network-based attack vectors. This vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1071.004 Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols, as it exploits network file sharing protocols to gain unauthorized access.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates to OS X 10.10 or later versions where Apple has addressed the underlying state management issues in the NetFS Client Framework. System administrators should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the exposure of affected systems to untrusted networks. Additional protective measures include monitoring network traffic for unusual file sharing activity, implementing strict firewall rules to restrict file sharing ports, and conducting regular security assessments to identify systems that may be running vulnerable versions of the operating system. Organizations should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify anomalous file sharing behaviors indicative of this vulnerability being exploited. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper state management in security-critical components and demonstrates how incomplete implementation of access control mechanisms can create persistent security weaknesses that remain exploitable until properly patched.