CVE-2014-4393 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the shader compiler in the Intel Graphics Driver subsystem in Apple OS X before 10.9.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via a crafted GLSL shader.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4393 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Intel Graphics Driver subsystem of Apple's operating system. This issue specifically affects the shader compiler component that processes OpenGL Shading Language GLSL shaders, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through carefully crafted shader code. The vulnerability exists in Apple OS X versions prior to 10.9.5, making a substantial user base susceptible to potential exploitation. The buffer overflow occurs during the compilation process of graphics shaders, where insufficient input validation allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the graphics driver's shader compilation routines. When the system processes a malicious GLSL shader, the compiler fails to adequately validate the size and structure of input data, allowing an attacker to craft shader code that exceeds allocated buffer boundaries. This flaw aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for application execution via script-based commands. The vulnerability demonstrates how graphics processing components can serve as attack vectors, particularly when handling untrusted input from external sources such as web browsers or applications that utilize OpenGL graphics APIs.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the compromised graphics process. This could enable attackers to escalate privileges, install malware, or perform other malicious activities within the target system. The remote exploitation aspect means that attackers do not need physical access to the device, allowing them to compromise systems through web-based attacks or malicious applications that utilize graphics processing. The vulnerability affects both desktop and laptop systems running affected versions of OS X, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where users frequently access untrusted web content or download applications from third-party sources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-4393 primarily focus on updating to Apple OS X 10.9.5 or later versions, which contain patches addressing the buffer overflow conditions in the graphics driver subsystem. System administrators should prioritize deployment of these security updates across all affected devices, particularly in enterprise environments where the risk of exploitation is higher. Additional protective measures include implementing web filtering solutions that can block access to known malicious domains, disabling unnecessary graphics processing capabilities, and monitoring system logs for unusual graphics-related activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of potentially malicious graphics shaders, and maintain regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in graphics processing components. The fix implemented by Apple addresses the root cause by adding proper input validation and bounds checking to the shader compilation process, preventing the overflow conditions that previously enabled arbitrary code execution.