CVE-2013-5179 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
App Sandbox in Apple Mac OS X before 10.9 allows attackers to bypass intended sandbox restrictions via a crafted app that uses the LaunchServices interface to specify process arguments.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-5179 represents a critical sandbox bypass issue within Apple Mac OS X operating systems prior to version 10.9. This flaw specifically targets the application sandboxing mechanisms that are designed to isolate applications and prevent them from accessing unauthorized system resources or user data. The sandboxing architecture in macOS serves as a fundamental security control that restricts what applications can do, limiting their ability to read files, access network resources, or interact with other processes without explicit permission. The vulnerability stems from an implementation weakness in how the system handles process arguments when applications are launched through the LaunchServices interface, which is a core component responsible for managing application registration and launch operations within the macOS ecosystem.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a malicious application crafted by an attacker leverages the LaunchServices interface to manipulate process arguments in a way that circumvents the sandbox restrictions that would normally be enforced. This allows the malicious application to execute with elevated privileges or access restricted resources that should otherwise be blocked by the sandboxing mechanism. The flaw essentially creates a pathway through which sandboxed applications can bypass their intended isolation boundaries, potentially enabling attackers to perform actions such as reading sensitive files, executing arbitrary code, or accessing system resources that are normally protected. This bypass mechanism operates at the system level rather than through user interface manipulation, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without user interaction or awareness.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks that could compromise entire user environments. Attackers could use this bypass to access sensitive data stored in protected directories, manipulate system files, or establish persistent access mechanisms within the sandboxed environment. The vulnerability affects the core security model of macOS, undermining the fundamental assumption that sandboxed applications cannot access restricted resources. This weakness could enable attackers to perform reconnaissance activities, gather system information, or prepare for more advanced attacks such as privilege escalation or data exfiltration. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the underlying operating system architecture rather than specific applications, making it potentially exploitable across multiple applications that rely on the LaunchServices interface.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the broader ATT&CK framework where it maps to techniques such as privilege escalation and sandbox evasion. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which describes improper access control in software systems, and represents a failure in mandatory access control enforcement within the operating system. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to macOS 10.9 or later versions where the vulnerability has been patched, monitoring for suspicious LaunchServices activity, and reviewing application sandboxing policies. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting, using security monitoring tools that can detect abnormal LaunchServices usage patterns, and ensuring that users operate with the minimum necessary privileges. The patch for this vulnerability specifically addresses the argument handling within the LaunchServices interface to ensure that sandbox restrictions are properly enforced regardless of how applications are launched through this mechanism.