CVE-2014-4398 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
An unspecified integrated graphics driver routine in the Intel Graphics Driver subsystem in Apple OS X before 10.9.5 does not properly validate calls, which allows attackers to execute arbitrary code in a privileged context via a crafted application, a different vulnerability than CVE-2014-4394, CVE-2014-4395, CVE-2014-4396, CVE-2014-4397, CVE-2014-4399, CVE-2014-4400, CVE-2014-4401, and CVE-2014-4416.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4398 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within Apple's operating system ecosystem, specifically targeting the Intel Graphics Driver subsystem that operates within OS X versions prior to 10.9.5. This issue resides in the graphics driver component that manages integrated graphics hardware, creating a pathway for malicious actors to gain elevated system privileges through carefully crafted applications. The vulnerability's classification as a privilege escalation vulnerability aligns with CWE-269, which addresses improper privilege management in software systems, and demonstrates the inherent risks associated with graphics driver components that operate with elevated privileges in modern operating systems.
The technical flaw manifests in the insufficient validation of driver routine calls within the Intel Graphics Driver subsystem, where the graphics driver fails to properly authenticate or validate incoming requests from user-space applications. This validation gap allows an attacker to craft malicious applications that can manipulate the graphics driver's execution flow, ultimately enabling arbitrary code execution within a privileged context. The vulnerability's operational impact is particularly severe because graphics drivers typically operate with high privileges to manage hardware resources, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking to escalate their privileges. The flaw's distinction from other related vulnerabilities in the same CVE range indicates it operates through a unique code path, specifically targeting the graphics driver's routine validation mechanisms rather than other system components.
The attack vector requires an attacker to have the ability to execute a crafted application on the target system, which then exploits the graphics driver's validation weakness to gain elevated privileges. This approach leverages the principle of least privilege violation, where a user-level application can manipulate system-level driver components to achieve privilege escalation. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to bypass system security controls, modify system files, install malware, or establish persistent access to the compromised system. This threat model aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers privilege escalation through exploitation of software vulnerabilities, and demonstrates how graphics drivers can serve as attack surfaces for sophisticated exploitation campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-4398 primarily focus on applying the official security patches provided by Apple, specifically upgrading to OS X 10.9.5 or later versions where the graphics driver validation has been properly addressed. System administrators should also implement additional security measures such as monitoring for unusual graphics driver activity, restricting user application execution, and maintaining updated antivirus signatures that can detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of driver security validation and proper input sanitization in system components that operate with elevated privileges, serving as a reminder of the critical security implications when hardware drivers fail to properly validate system calls. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime application control measures and privilege separation techniques to limit the potential impact of similar vulnerabilities in other system components, particularly those that interface with hardware drivers or operate with elevated system privileges.