CVE-2013-5192 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
The USB hub controller in Apple Mac OS X before 10.9 allows local users to cause a denial of service (system crash) via a request with a crafted (1) port or (2) port number.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-5192 represents a critical flaw in the USB hub controller implementation within Apple Mac OS X operating systems prior to version 10.9. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the kernel-level USB subsystem that handles port configuration requests. The vulnerability specifically affects the way the system processes USB port number and port requests, creating a potential pathway for malicious exploitation that can result in system instability and complete system crashes. The flaw exists in the kernel extension responsible for USB hub management and demonstrates a classic buffer overflow or improper validation scenario that has been documented in similar USB controller vulnerabilities across various operating systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the system receives crafted USB port requests that contain malformed port numbers or invalid port configurations. The USB hub controller fails to properly validate these incoming requests before processing them, leading to memory corruption or invalid memory access patterns that cause the kernel to crash. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 weakness category, which encompasses out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to system instability and potential privilege escalation. The flaw operates at the kernel level where USB hub management occurs, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered by simple USB device enumeration requests without requiring elevated privileges. Attackers can exploit this by connecting specially crafted USB devices or by manipulating USB port configurations through software interfaces that ultimately result in kernel panic conditions.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-5192 extends beyond simple denial of service, as system crashes can result in data loss, unavailability of critical services, and potential compromise of system integrity. In enterprise environments, this vulnerability could be leveraged to disrupt business operations through repeated system crashes, while in more sophisticated attack scenarios, it could serve as a precursor to more advanced exploits. The vulnerability's local nature means that exploitation requires physical access or the ability to execute code on the target system, but it can be particularly concerning in environments where USB devices are frequently connected or when users have elevated privileges. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, as it can be used to establish persistent access through system instability, and T1489 for network denial of service through system resource consumption.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate system updates to Mac OS X 10.9 or later versions where Apple has implemented proper input validation and bounds checking for USB port requests. System administrators should also implement USB device control policies that restrict unauthorized USB device connections, particularly in high-security environments. Additional protective measures include monitoring for unusual USB activity patterns and implementing kernel extension whitelisting where possible. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation in kernel-level code and demonstrates how seemingly benign USB port configuration requests can lead to system instability. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based detection mechanisms to identify potential exploitation attempts and ensure that all USB-related kernel extensions are properly signed and verified before installation. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for outdated operating system versions that may still be vulnerable to this and similar USB controller flaws.