CVE-2015-1150 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
The Firewall component in Apple OS X Server before 4.1 uses an incorrect pathname in configuration files, which allows remote attackers to bypass network-access restrictions by sending packets for which custom-rule blocking was intended.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/09/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1150 resides within the Firewall component of Apple OS X Server versions prior to 4.1, representing a critical configuration flaw that undermines network security controls. This issue stems from the improper handling of pathnames within firewall configuration files, creating a fundamental weakness in the system's access control mechanisms. The flaw manifests when custom firewall rules designed to block specific network traffic are bypassed due to incorrect file path references, allowing unauthorized network access that should have been restricted.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the firewall subsystem's reliance on hardcoded or improperly resolved file paths within its configuration management. When custom rules are established to restrict network access, the system fails to properly validate or resolve the pathname references that point to these rules. This misconfiguration creates a path traversal or path resolution vulnerability that attackers can exploit to circumvent intended network restrictions. The flaw operates at the configuration file level rather than at the application layer, making it particularly insidious as it undermines the fundamental security posture established by administrators through custom firewall policies.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations relying on Apple OS X Server for network security. Attackers can leverage this weakness to bypass firewall restrictions that were specifically configured to block malicious traffic or protect sensitive network segments. The impact extends beyond simple access bypass, as it allows adversaries to potentially reach systems or services that should be protected by firewall rules, effectively neutralizing network segmentation controls. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where administrators have implemented custom firewall rules to protect against specific threat vectors or to enforce network access policies.
The security implications of CVE-2015-1150 align with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-23 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, both of which relate to improper handling of file system paths. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1071.001 Application Layer Protocol Web Protocols, as attackers can exploit the bypassed network restrictions to access web-based services or perform network reconnaissance. Organizations using Apple OS X Server without the applicable security patches face a heightened risk of unauthorized network access, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, or lateral movement within affected networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate deployment of Apple's security updates, specifically OS X Server 4.1 and subsequent versions that address the incorrect pathname handling in firewall configuration files. System administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of existing firewall rules to identify any potential misconfigurations and verify that custom rules are properly implemented and enforced. Network segmentation controls should be validated to ensure that bypassed restrictions do not allow unauthorized access to critical systems or data. Additionally, organizations should implement continuous monitoring of firewall logs to detect any anomalous network access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining current security patches and proper configuration management practices, particularly for critical network infrastructure components.