CVE-2015-5901 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
The Secure Empty Trash feature in Finder in Apple OS X before 10.11 improperly deletes Trash files, which might allow local users to obtain sensitive information by reading storage media, as demonstrated by reading a flash drive.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-5901 resides within the Secure Empty Trash functionality of Apple's Finder component in operating systems prior to version 10.11. This security flaw represents a critical weakness in the system's data sanitization processes, where the secure deletion mechanism fails to properly overwrite or remove file contents from storage media. The issue specifically affects the way the operating system handles the secure deletion of files in the Trash folder, creating a scenario where remnants of deleted data may persist on the storage device and remain accessible to unauthorized parties.
The technical implementation flaw occurs during the secure empty trash operation when the system does not adequately overwrite the data sectors containing deleted files. This improper handling of file deletion creates a data exposure risk where sensitive information stored on removable media such as flash drives can be recovered through forensic analysis or direct data access methods. The vulnerability stems from inadequate cryptographic or overwrite procedures that should have been implemented to ensure complete data destruction. This weakness aligns with CWE-316 which addresses weaknesses in the implementation of secure deletion mechanisms, specifically focusing on insufficient data sanitization during file removal processes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it creates a persistent security risk for users who store sensitive information on removable storage devices. Local attackers with physical access to the storage media can exploit this weakness to recover deleted files, potentially accessing confidential documents, personal information, or business data that was previously thought to be securely removed. The risk is particularly pronounced when users employ flash drives or other removable media for data transfer, as the secure deletion feature fails to protect against data recovery techniques that can reconstruct overwritten data patterns. This vulnerability undermines the fundamental security assumptions of data sanitization and creates a persistent backdoor for information leakage.
Organizations and individual users should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to Apple OS X version 10.11 or later where this vulnerability has been addressed through improved secure deletion algorithms. System administrators should also consider implementing additional data protection measures such as full disk encryption, particularly for devices that handle sensitive information. The mitigation strategy should include regular security assessments of file deletion processes and ensuring that all storage devices undergo proper sanitization before disposal or redistribution. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper secure deletion implementation and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1485 which covers data destruction and the importance of ensuring complete data sanitization processes. Organizations should also consider implementing data loss prevention controls and establishing clear policies regarding the handling of sensitive information on removable media to prevent exploitation of this type of vulnerability.