CVE-2014-4400 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-2014-4398, CVE-2014-4399, CVE-2014-4401, and CVE-2014-4416.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4400 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 stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the graphics driver routines, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute unauthorized code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability's classification as a privilege escalation weakness aligns with CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation, and demonstrates how graphics driver components can serve as attack vectors for system compromise. The flaw exists in the integrated graphics driver architecture that Apple implemented to support Intel graphics hardware, making it particularly concerning given the widespread use of these systems.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2014-4400 occurs through a crafted application that manipulates the graphics driver's routine execution flow, bypassing normal security boundaries that should prevent user-mode applications from executing code in kernel space. This vulnerability operates at the kernel level, allowing attackers to escalate their privileges from standard user context to system-level access without requiring physical presence or additional exploitation primitives. The flaw specifically involves the graphics driver's failure to properly validate function calls and parameters, enabling attackers to inject malicious code that executes with the highest privilege level available to the graphics subsystem. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques, particularly leveraging kernel-mode exploitation methods that can bypass standard operating system security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the security model of the operating system by allowing attackers to gain unauthorized administrative access. Systems running affected versions of OS X become susceptible to complete system compromise, with attackers able to install malware, modify system files, access sensitive data, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's presence in the graphics driver subsystem is particularly dangerous because graphics processing is often enabled by default and frequently used by legitimate applications, making the attack surface larger than typical kernel vulnerabilities. Security researchers have noted that such vulnerabilities are especially concerning when they affect core system components like graphics drivers, as they can be exploited through seemingly benign applications that utilize graphics processing capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-4400 primarily involve updating to Apple OS X 10.9.5 or later versions, which contain patches addressing the graphics driver validation issues. System administrators should prioritize deployment of these security updates across all affected systems, particularly in enterprise environments where the risk of exploitation is higher. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of untrusted applications, monitoring for suspicious graphics driver activity, and maintaining regular security audits of system configurations. The vulnerability's nature suggests that organizations should also consider network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify anomalous graphics processing patterns indicative of exploitation attempts. Organizations that cannot immediately update their systems should implement additional security controls such as disabling unnecessary graphics processing features and restricting user permissions to minimize potential impact from successful exploitation attempts.