CVE-2014-4497 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Integer signedness error in IOBluetoothFamily in the Bluetooth implementation in Apple OS X before 10.10 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code in a privileged context or cause a denial of service (write to kernel memory) via a crafted app.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4497 represents a critical integer signedness error within the IOBluetoothFamily component of Apple's operating system implementation. This flaw exists in the Bluetooth subsystem of macOS versions prior to 10.10, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through crafted applications. The vulnerability specifically targets the kernel-level Bluetooth implementation where improper handling of signed integer values leads to unpredictable behavior that can be leveraged for privilege escalation or system compromise.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from a fundamental error in how signed integers are processed within the Bluetooth kernel extension. When the system processes Bluetooth-related data structures, it fails to properly validate the signedness of integer values, allowing attackers to manipulate input parameters that should be constrained to specific ranges. This oversight creates a condition where an attacker can craft malicious Bluetooth packets or application data that, when processed by the vulnerable kernel component, results in incorrect memory addressing or buffer manipulation. The flaw operates at the kernel level, meaning that successful exploitation can grant attackers the ability to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, effectively bypassing standard user-level security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables attackers to execute code in a privileged context, potentially allowing complete system compromise. An attacker could craft a malicious application that, when executed on a vulnerable system, triggers the integer signedness error and subsequently writes to kernel memory locations. This capability could result in either arbitrary code execution with root privileges or a denial of service condition that crashes the system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no user interaction beyond running the malicious application, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns. The attack surface is broad as Bluetooth functionality is commonly enabled on macOS systems, and the exploit can be delivered through standard application distribution channels.
Security mitigations for CVE-2014-4497 primarily involve upgrading to Apple macOS 10.10 or later versions where the vulnerability has been patched. System administrators should also implement network monitoring to detect anomalous Bluetooth activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-191, which describes integer underflow and overflow conditions, and may map to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and kernel exploitation. Organizations should also consider disabling Bluetooth functionality when not required and implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted applications that could exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, regular security assessments of kernel-level components and proper input validation in system extensions should be prioritized to prevent similar issues from emerging in the future.