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AUSCERT Security Bulletin
ASB-2017.0205
Apple High Sierra Uses a Passwordless Root Account
29 November 2017
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AusCERT Security Bulletin Summary
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Product: Apple High Sierra
Operating System: OS X
Impact/Access: Root Compromise -- Console/Physical
Resolution: Mitigation
Member content until: Friday, December 29 2017
OVERVIEW
AusCERT has verified that OS X High Sierra uses a passwordless root
account.
IMPACT
"Today, a security researcher twitted about a dangerous behaviour
he found in the Apple High Sierra operating system: It is possible
to get administrator rights (the "root" account on UNIX) by
connecting without a password. I was able to reproduce this
behaviour on my MacBook running the latest OS X version. It appears
that OS X is delivered with a passwordless root account."[1]
MITIGATION
Set a root password as soon as possible:
To do this in your terminal type, "sudo passwd root" [1]
To do this via a graphical user interface follow instructions on the
following link,
https://9to5mac.com/2017/11/28/how-to-set-root-password/
REFERENCES
[1] Apple High Sierra Uses a Passwordless Root Account
https://isc.sans.edu/diary/rss/23077
AusCERT has made every effort to ensure that the information contained
in this document is accurate. However, the decision to use the information
described is the responsibility of each user or organisation. The decision to
follow or act on information or advice contained in this security bulletin is
the responsibility of each user or organisation, and should be considered in
accordance with your organisation's site policies and procedures. AusCERT
takes no responsibility for consequences which may arise from following or
acting on information or advice contained in this security bulletin.
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Australian Computer Emergency Response Team
The University of Queensland
Brisbane
Qld 4072
Internet Email: auscert@auscert.org.au
Facsimile: (07) 3365 7031
Telephone: (07) 3365 4417 (International: +61 7 3365 4417)
AusCERT personnel answer during Queensland business hours
which are GMT+10:00 (AEST).
On call after hours for member emergencies only.
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