CVE-2014-4390 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Bluetooth in Apple OS X before 10.9.5 does not properly validate API calls, which allows attackers to execute arbitrary code in a privileged context via a crafted application.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/20/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4390 represents a critical security flaw in Apple's operating system that affected versions prior to 10.9.5. This issue resides within the Bluetooth subsystem and demonstrates a fundamental failure in input validation mechanisms that could be exploited by malicious actors to gain elevated privileges. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of Application Programming Interface calls within the Bluetooth framework, creating a pathway for unauthorized code execution with system-level privileges.
The technical nature of this flaw can be categorized under CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and specifically relates to improper validation of API calls that should have been enforced at the kernel level. When a crafted application attempts to interact with the Bluetooth API, the system fails to properly verify the legitimacy of the parameters being passed, allowing malicious inputs to bypass normal security checks. This weakness enables attackers to manipulate the Bluetooth subsystem in ways that were never intended, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to users of affected Apple operating systems as it requires no special privileges to exploit, yet can result in arbitrary code execution with root-level access. The attack vector involves a malicious application that leverages the improperly validated API calls to inject and execute code within the privileged context of the Bluetooth service. This creates a scenario where users could unknowingly install malware that exploits this vulnerability, leading to persistent system compromise and potential data exfiltration.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it represents a fundamental breakdown in the security model of the operating system. Attackers could potentially use this flaw to install persistent backdoors, modify system files, or establish covert communication channels through the Bluetooth interface. The exploitation process would typically involve crafting a malicious application that triggers the vulnerable API path, allowing the attacker to execute code with the highest system privileges available to the Bluetooth service.
Organizations and individual users should prioritize immediate remediation by updating to Apple OS X 10.9.5 or later versions that contain the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. System administrators should also consider implementing network monitoring to detect suspicious Bluetooth activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. The mitigation strategy should include comprehensive patch management procedures and user education about the risks of installing untrusted applications that might exploit such vulnerabilities. Additionally, organizations should review their Bluetooth security policies and consider disabling Bluetooth functionality when not actively needed to reduce the attack surface. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper API validation and the potential consequences when such validation mechanisms fail within core operating system components.