What exactly does “privileged network position” mean?

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

up ios