CVE-2016-5087 in Desktop Notification
Summary
by MITRE
Alertus Desktop Notification before 2.9.31.1710 on OS X uses weak permissions for configuration files and unspecified other files, which allows local users to suppress emergency notifications or change content via standard filesystem operations.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5087 affects Alertus Desktop Notification software version 2.9.31.1710 on macOS operating systems. This security flaw stems from the improper handling of file permissions within the application's configuration files and related components. The weak permissions model creates a significant privilege escalation vector that allows local attackers to manipulate emergency notification settings without requiring administrative privileges. The vulnerability specifically impacts the security posture of organizations relying on this desktop notification system for emergency communications, potentially compromising critical alert mechanisms during security incidents or emergency situations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's failure to properly secure sensitive configuration files and data storage locations. When an application creates configuration files with overly permissive access controls, it inadvertently provides unauthorized users with the ability to modify critical system parameters. In this case, the Alertus Desktop Notification application does not enforce appropriate discretionary access controls on its configuration files, allowing local users to perform standard filesystem operations that alter notification behavior. This weakness aligns with CWE-276, which describes improper file permissions, and represents a classic example of insufficient access control mechanisms. The vulnerability demonstrates how poor privilege management can lead to complete compromise of security-critical functions within desktop applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple permission issues to potentially disable or manipulate emergency notification systems that organizations depend upon for critical communications. Local users who exploit this weakness can suppress emergency notifications, effectively rendering the security system ineffective during actual emergencies. Alternatively, attackers can modify notification content to spread misinformation or confusion during critical events. This creates a significant risk for organizations that rely on timely and accurate emergency notifications for security protocols, disaster response, or compliance requirements. The vulnerability undermines the fundamental security principle of least privilege and allows attackers to manipulate system behavior without requiring elevated privileges, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multiple users share systems.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to Alertus Desktop Notification version 2.9.31.1710 or later, which addresses the weak file permission issues. System administrators should conduct thorough audits of file permissions for all Alertus-related configuration files and ensure that appropriate access controls are enforced using standard security practices. The implementation of mandatory access controls through tools like macOS security policies or configuration management solutions can help prevent unauthorized modifications to critical system files. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing file integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized changes to configuration files. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following security best practices for file permission management and demonstrates how seemingly minor configuration oversights can create significant security risks. The issue also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1546.001 which covers changes to system binaries and T1068 which involves exploit for privilege escalation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security measures across all system components.