CVE-2014-7861 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
The IOHIDSecurePromptClient function in Apple OS X does not properly validate pointer values, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (system crash) via a crafted web site.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/10/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-7861 resides within the IOHIDSecurePromptClient function of Apple's operating system, specifically affecting OS X versions prior to the security updates. This flaw represents a classic pointer validation weakness that enables malicious actors to exploit the system through web-based attacks. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the HID (Human Interface Device) subsystem, which handles interactions with external devices such as keyboards, mice, and other peripherals. When processing certain pointer values, the system fails to properly validate the integrity and legitimacy of these references, creating a potential attack surface for remote code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of pointer values that are passed to the IOHIDSecurePromptClient function, which is responsible for handling secure prompts during HID device interactions. Attackers can craft malicious web content that triggers the vulnerable code path, causing the system to dereference invalid or manipulated pointers. This misbehavior can result in arbitrary code execution with elevated privileges or system crashes that manifest as denial of service conditions. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level within the IOHIDFamily framework, making it particularly dangerous as it can bypass user-space protections and directly impact system stability. According to CWE classification, this represents a CWE-125: Uninitialized Pointer Dereference, which is a well-documented weakness in software systems where pointers are used without proper validation of their state.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-7861 extends beyond simple system crashes, as it provides attackers with a potential pathway for privilege escalation and persistent system compromise. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability can allow remote attackers to execute code with kernel-level privileges, effectively bypassing standard security boundaries that protect user applications from direct system manipulation. This makes the vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to establish persistent access to affected systems. The attack vector through web content means that users do not need to perform any special actions beyond visiting a malicious website, making the exploit particularly dangerous in real-world scenarios. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Apple OS X versions, including but not limited to Yosemite and earlier releases, creating a significant attack surface across multiple system generations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-7861 primarily involve applying the official security patches released by Apple through their software update mechanisms. System administrators should prioritize the deployment of the relevant security updates, which include fixes to the IOHIDFamily framework and enhanced pointer validation within the IOHIDSecurePromptClient function. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can help reduce the risk of exploitation by blocking access to known malicious domains. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior patterns associated with potential exploitation attempts. From a defensive perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as exploitation may involve the execution of malicious code through web-based attack vectors. The remediation process should include comprehensive system validation to ensure that all affected components have been properly updated and that no residual vulnerabilities remain in the system configuration.