Apple Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server Workgroup Manager weak security

macos-workgroup-weak-security (29302) The risk level is classified as LowLow Risk

Description:

Apple Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server could display the incorrect password authentication method, caused by a vulnerability in the Workgroup Manager. This would result in weaker than expected security that would cause the NetInfo account window to show the incorrect password hash status.

Platforms Affected:

  • Apple, Mac OS X Server 10.4
  • Apple, Mac OS X Server 10.4.1
  • Apple, Mac OS X Server 10.4.10
  • Apple, Mac OS X Server 10.4.11
  • Apple, Mac OS X Server 10.4.2
  • Apple, Mac OS X Server 10.4.3
  • Apple, Mac OS X Server 10.4.4
  • Apple, Mac OS X Server 10.4.5
  • Apple, Mac OS X Server 10.4.6
  • Apple, Mac OS X Server 10.4.7

Remedy:

Apply Apple Security Update 2006-006 or Mac OS X 10.4.8 Update, available from the Apple Web site. See References.

Consequences:

Obtain Information

References:

  • Mac OS X 10.4.8 and Security Update 2006-006, About the security content of the Mac OS X 10.4.8 Update and Security Update 2006-006 at http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=304460.
  • US-CERT Technical Cyber Security Alert TA06-275A, Multiple Vulnerabilities in Apple and Adobe Products at http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA06-275A.html.
  • BID-20271: Apple Mac OS X Pre 10.4.8 Multiple Security Vulnerabilities
  • CVE-2006-4399: User interface inconsistency in Workgroup Manager in Apple Mac OS X 10.4 through 10.4.7 appears to allow administrators to change the authentication type from crypt to ShadowHash passwords for accounts in a NetInfo parent, when such an operation is not actually supported, which could result in less secure password management than intended.
  • OSVDB ID: 29276: Mac OS X Server Workgroup Manager NetInfo Parent Account Password Encryption Weakness
  • SA22187: Mac OS X Security Update Fixes Multiple Vulnerabilities
  • SECTRACK ID: 1016958: Mac OS X Workgroup Manager May Display the Incorrect Password Authentication Method
  • US-CERT VU#847468: Apple Workgroup Manager fails to properly enable ShadowHash passwords
  • VUPEN/ADV-2006-3852: Apple Mac OS X Multiple Command Execution and Denial of Service Vulnerabilities

Reported:

Sep 29, 2006

The information within this database may change without notice. Use of this information constitutes acceptance for use in an AS IS condition. There are NO warranties, implied or otherwise, with regard to this information or its use. Any use of this information is at the user's risk. In no event shall the author/distributor (Internet Security Systems X-Force) be held liable for any damages whatsoever arising out of or in connection with the use or spread of this information.

Copyright (c) 1994-2008 Internet Security Systems, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.

For corrections or additions please email xforce@iss.net

Return to the main page