CVE-2014-4437 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
LaunchServices in Apple OS X before 10.10 allows attackers to bypass intended sandbox restrictions via an application that specifies a crafted handler for the Content-Type field of an object.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/23/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4437 resides within Apple's LaunchServices framework, a critical component of macOS operating systems prior to version 10.10. This flaw represents a sandbox bypass issue that fundamentally undermines the security model designed to isolate applications and prevent unauthorized system access. The vulnerability specifically affects the way macOS handles content type associations and application handlers, creating a pathway for malicious actors to circumvent the sandboxing mechanisms that protect user data and system integrity.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a crafted application that manipulates the Content-Type field of an object to specify a custom handler. This handler can be designed to execute arbitrary code or access restricted system resources that would normally be protected by the sandbox. The flaw exploits the trust model within LaunchServices where the system assumes that applications with specific content type handlers are legitimate and safe to execute with elevated privileges. This represents a classic case of insufficient input validation and improper privilege management, aligning with CWE-20 standards for improper input validation and CWE-250 for execution of unknown code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it allows attackers to bypass multiple security controls that are fundamental to macOS security architecture. An attacker could potentially use this vulnerability to execute malicious code in contexts where it would normally be restricted, access sensitive user data, or even escalate privileges to gain root access on the affected system. The implications are particularly severe because LaunchServices is integral to how macOS handles file associations and application launches, making this vulnerability a potent vector for initial access and persistence within targeted systems.
This vulnerability demonstrates a critical weakness in Apple's security model where the Content-Type handling mechanism fails to properly validate or sanitize application handlers before executing them. The attack vector leverages the trust relationship between the operating system and applications, allowing malicious actors to craft applications that appear legitimate to the system while actually executing unauthorized operations. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability represents a sophisticated attack pattern that aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under process injection and privilege escalation tactics.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2014-4437 requires immediate system updates to macOS 10.10 or later versions where Apple has implemented proper validation of Content-Type handlers and strengthened sandbox restrictions. Organizations should also implement additional monitoring for suspicious application behavior, particularly around content type associations and handler registrations. Security teams must consider this vulnerability as part of broader threat hunting activities, focusing on identifying potentially malicious applications that might attempt to exploit similar sandbox bypass mechanisms. The fix addresses the root cause by implementing stricter validation of content type handlers and ensuring that applications cannot specify arbitrary handlers that would bypass intended security restrictions.