CVE-2014-4416 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-2014-4400, and CVE-2014-4401.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4416 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's routine execution mechanism where insufficient input validation occurs during the processing of graphics-related function calls. The flaw stems from improper validation of kernel-mode driver routines that handle graphics processing commands, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's graphics subsystem. The vulnerability's classification as a privilege escalation issue indicates that successful exploitation would allow an attacker to execute code with elevated privileges typically reserved for system-level processes, potentially compromising the entire operating environment.
The technical nature of this vulnerability lies in the graphics driver's failure to properly validate incoming calls from user-space applications before executing privileged operations within kernel space. When a crafted application submits malicious graphics commands to the Intel Graphics Driver, the driver routine does not adequately verify the legitimacy or safety of these inputs. This validation gap creates a condition where attacker-controlled data can be processed as if it were legitimate system-level commands, enabling arbitrary code execution within the privileged context of the graphics driver. The flaw specifically affects the Intel Graphics Driver subsystem which serves as the interface between the operating system's graphics framework and the hardware's graphics processing unit, making it a critical component for system security. This vulnerability operates at the kernel level, where it can bypass standard user-mode security controls and access protected system resources directly.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-4416 extends far beyond typical application-level security breaches, as it provides attackers with a pathway to achieve system-wide compromise through graphics driver manipulation. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could execute malicious code with root-level privileges, potentially gaining complete control over the affected system. The attack vector requires only a crafted application to be executed, making it particularly dangerous as it can be delivered through various means including malicious email attachments, compromised websites, or social engineering campaigns. Once exploited, the vulnerability could enable attackers to install persistent backdoors, modify system files, steal sensitive data, or establish covert communication channels with command and control servers. The privilege escalation capability makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where system integrity and user isolation are critical security requirements.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-4416 primarily focus on system updates and operational security measures. The most effective remediation involves upgrading to Apple OS X version 10.9.5 or later, which contains patches specifically addressing the graphics driver validation flaw. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all affected systems receive the necessary updates promptly. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies can help prevent unauthorized applications from executing graphics-related commands that might trigger the vulnerability. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous graphics driver activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-122, which addresses buffer overflow conditions in kernel-mode drivers, highlights the importance of proper memory management and input validation in privileged code execution. Organizations should also consider implementing behavioral monitoring solutions that can detect unusual graphics processing patterns that deviate from normal system behavior, as these could indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should regularly audit graphics driver configurations and maintain current threat intelligence regarding similar vulnerabilities that might affect the same subsystem.