CVE-2014-1376 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Intel Compute in Apple OS X before 10.9.4 does not properly restrict an unspecified OpenCL API call, which allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1376 represents a critical security flaw in Intel Compute technology implementation within Apple OS X operating systems prior to version 10.9.4. This issue resides in the OpenCL API call handling mechanism, where insufficient input validation and access control measures permit malicious applications to exploit a weakness in the system's graphics processing unit management. The vulnerability specifically affects the OpenCL framework's interaction with Intel graphics hardware, creating an attack surface that adversaries can leverage for privilege escalation and code execution.
The technical flaw manifests through improper restriction of an unspecified OpenCL API call that should have been properly sandboxed and validated within the operating system's security model. This weakness allows attackers to bypass normal execution boundaries and potentially gain unauthorized access to system resources that should remain protected. The vulnerability stems from inadequate parameter validation within the OpenCL runtime environment, enabling crafted applications to manipulate system calls in ways that were not intended by the original software design. This particular implementation flaw falls under the category of improper input validation and privilege escalation, commonly categorized as CWE-20 and CWE-264 respectively within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it provides attackers with the means to manipulate the underlying graphics processing unit infrastructure. This can result in complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors, particularly in environments where users might inadvertently run malicious applications. The vulnerability affects all versions of OS X prior to 10.9.4, making it particularly concerning for organizations that have not yet updated their systems. Attackers can exploit this weakness to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to persistent backdoors, data exfiltration, or further system infiltration.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability primarily focus on applying the official Apple security patches that address the OpenCL API call restrictions. System administrators should prioritize updating to OS X 10.9.4 or later versions where the vulnerability has been remediated through enhanced API call validation and proper access control enforcement. Additional defensive measures include implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of unsigned or untrusted applications, monitoring system calls for unusual OpenCL API activity, and maintaining updated security tooling that can detect anomalous behavior patterns. The remediation process should also include regular security assessments of graphics processing unit configurations and ensuring that system updates are applied promptly to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities in the Intel Compute framework. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and endpoint protection solutions that can detect and prevent unauthorized code execution attempts targeting graphics processing unit interfaces.