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What exactly does “privileged network position” mean?

I’d like to know the meaning of “privileged network position” as frequently used in security update notes to describe a category of attacker. Though I understand the purpose of being vague, the scope of “privilege” and “network” involved is usually/always unclear to me. Include examples, please, if possible.


Thanks!

Servers/Datacom

Posted on Jul 10, 2021 1:43 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 12, 2021 6:32 AM

user005 wrote:

I’d like to know the meaning of “privileged network position” as frequently used in security update notes to describe a category of attacker. Though I understand the purpose of being vague, the scope of “privilege” and “network” involved is usually/always unclear to me. Include examples, please, if possible.

Thanks!



Apple does not specifically define “privileged network position” however the references could be be read as a Man-in-the-Middle attack (MitM.) There are plenty of references on the subject.


Mail —is understood


SMBX— Apple’s implementation of the networking protocol SMB (Server Message Block, ) used to provide shared access to files between computers



ref: About the security content of macOS Big Sur 11.4

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 12, 2021 6:32 AM in response to user005

user005 wrote:

I’d like to know the meaning of “privileged network position” as frequently used in security update notes to describe a category of attacker. Though I understand the purpose of being vague, the scope of “privilege” and “network” involved is usually/always unclear to me. Include examples, please, if possible.

Thanks!



Apple does not specifically define “privileged network position” however the references could be be read as a Man-in-the-Middle attack (MitM.) There are plenty of references on the subject.


Mail —is understood


SMBX— Apple’s implementation of the networking protocol SMB (Server Message Block, ) used to provide shared access to files between computers



ref: About the security content of macOS Big Sur 11.4

What exactly does “privileged network position” mean?

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