CVE-2014-1253 in Boot Camp
Summary
by MITRE
AppleMNT.sys in Apple Boot Camp 5 before 5.1 allows local users to cause a denial of service (kernel memory corruption) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a malformed header in a Portable Executable (PE) file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/01/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1253 resides within the AppleMNT.sys driver component of Apple Boot Camp 5 before version 5.1, representing a critical kernel-level flaw that exposes systems to potential exploitation. This driver is responsible for handling file system operations within the Boot Camp environment, which allows Windows operating systems to run on Apple hardware. The vulnerability specifically manifests when processing malformed Portable Executable file headers, creating a scenario where untrusted input can trigger unexpected behavior within kernel memory structures.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient validation of Portable Executable file headers within the AppleMNT.sys driver, which fails to properly sanitize input data before processing. When a malformed PE header is encountered, the driver does not implement adequate bounds checking or input validation mechanisms, leading to potential kernel memory corruption. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 weakness category, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can result in memory corruption and system instability. The lack of proper input sanitization creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate memory structures through carefully crafted malicious files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it can potentially enable more severe consequences including arbitrary code execution within kernel space. Local attackers who can place malicious PE files on the target system can trigger the vulnerability, causing system crashes or potentially allowing privilege escalation to kernel level. The nature of kernel-level memory corruption can result in system instability, data loss, or in more sophisticated attack scenarios, complete system compromise. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through kernel exploits, and represents a classic example of how driver-level vulnerabilities can be leveraged for system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-1253 require immediate patching of Apple Boot Camp to version 5.1 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms for PE file headers. System administrators should also implement file scanning and validation procedures to prevent execution of potentially malicious PE files, particularly in environments where Boot Camp is utilized. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary file system drivers, implementing strict access controls, and maintaining updated security software that can detect and block exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of kernel-level input validation and proper bounds checking, which are fundamental security practices that align with secure coding standards and help prevent similar issues in other system components. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments of their boot environments and driver installations to identify potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited through similar attack vectors.