It addressed a severe vulnerability in the Microsoft Windows Plug and Play (PnP) service. This flaw impacted Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003 operating systems.
Crucially, it allowed unauthenticated, remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with system privileges. This meant an attacker could gain complete control over a vulnerable machine without any user interaction.
Microsoft released security bulletin MS05-039 to patch this vulnerability. US-CERT strongly urged administrators to apply the patch immediately due to the high risk of widespread exploitation, including potential for worm propagation. The alert highlighted the dangers of fundamental OS service vulnerabilities and the critical need for prompt patching.
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National Cyber Alert System
Technical Cyber Security Alert TA05-229A
Apple Mac Products are Affected by Multiple Vulnerabilities
Original release date: August 17, 2005
Last revised: --
Source: US-CERT
Systems Affected
* Apple Mac OS X version 10.3.9 (Panther) and version 10.4.2 (Tiger)
* Apple Mac OS X Server version 10.3.9 and version 10.4.2
* Apple Safari web browser
Please see Apple Security Update 2005-007 for further information.
Overview
Apple has released Security Update 2005-007 to address multiple
vulnerabilities affecting Mac OS X, Mac OS X Server, Safari web
browser, and other products. The most serious of these vulnerabilities
may allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code. Impacts of
other vulnerabilities include bypassing security restrictions and
denial of service.
I. Description
Apple Security Update 2005-007 resolves a number of vulnerabilities
affecting Mac OS X, OS X Server, Safari web browser, and other
products. Further details are available in the following Vulnerability
Notes:
VU#913820 - Apple Mac OS X Directory Services contains a buffer
overflow
A buffer overflow in Apple Mac OS X Directory Service's authentication
process may allow a remote, unauthenticated attacker to execute
arbitrary code on a vulnerable system.
(CAN-2005-2507)
VU#461412 - Apple Mac OS X Server servermgrd authentication vulnerable
to buffer overflow
Apple Mac OS X Server servermgrd contains an unspecified buffer
overflow vulnerability in its authentication handling routines. This
vulnerability may lead to remote execution of arbitrary code.
(CAN-2005-2518)
VU#435188 - Apple Mac OS X AppKit vulnerable to buffer overflow via
the handling of maliciously crafted rich text files
A buffer overflow vulnerability exists in a component of Apple's Mac
OS X operating system that handles rich text files.
(CAN-2005-2501)
VU#172948 - Apple Mac OS X AppKit vulnerable to buffer overflow via
maliciously crafted Microsoft Word files
A buffer overflow vulnerability exists in a component of Apple's Mac
OS X operating system that handles Microsoft Word files.
(CAN-2005-2502)
VU#420316 - Apple Mac OS X Safari vulnerable to arbitrary command
execution via URLs in PDF files
Apple Mac OS X WebKit and Safari security controls may be bypassed,
possibly allowing remote command execution.
(CAN-2005-2522)
VU#709220 - Apple Safari fails to perform security checks on links in
rich text content
Apple Safari fails to perform security checks on hyperlinks in rich
text content, which may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary
commands on a vulnerable system.
(CAN-2005-2516)
Please note that Apple Security Update 2005-007 addresses
additional vulnerabilities not described above. As further
information becomes available, we will publish individual
Vulnerability Notes.
II. Impact
The impacts of these vulnerabilities vary. For information about
specific impacts please see the Vulnerability Notes. Potential
consequences include remote execution of arbitrary code or commands,
bypass of security restrictions, and denial of service.
III. Solution
Install an update
Install the update as described in Apple Security Update 2005-007. In
addition, this update is available via Apple Update.
Appendix A. References
* US-CERT Vulnerability Note VU#913820 -
<http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/913820>
* US-CERT Vulnerability Note VU#461412 -
<http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/461412>
* US-CERT Vulnerability Note VU#435188 -
<http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/435188>
* US-CERT Vulnerability Note VU#172948 -
<http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/172948>
* US-CERT Vulnerability Note VU#420316 -
<http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/420316>
* US-CERT Vulnerability Note VU#709220 -
<http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/709220>
* Apple Security Update 2005-007 -
<http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=302163>
* Mac OS X: Updating your software -
<http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106704>
____________________________________________________________________
The most recent version of this document can be found at:
<http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA05-229A.html>
____________________________________________________________________
Feedback can be directed to US-CERT. Please send email to
<
____________________________________________________________________
Mailing list information:
<http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/>
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Produced 2005 by US-CERT, a government organization.
Terms of use:
<http://www.us-cert.gov/legal.html>
____________________________________________________________________
Revision History
August 17, 2005: Initial release
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