CVE-2014-8822 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
IOHIDFamily in Apple OS X before 10.10.2 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code in a kernel context or cause a denial of service (write to kernel memory) via a crafted app that calls an unspecified user-client method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-8822 resides within the IOHIDFamily component of Apple's macOS operating system, specifically affecting versions prior to 10.10.2. This kernel-level flaw represents a critical security weakness that enables attackers to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code directly within the kernel context, fundamentally compromising system integrity. The vulnerability manifests through a crafted application that invokes an unspecified user-client method, leveraging the inherent trust relationships between user-space applications and kernel components. The IOHIDFamily serves as a crucial interface for handling human interface device communications including keyboards, mice, and other input peripherals, making it a prime target for attackers seeking kernel-level access.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the user-client method implementation. When a malicious application invokes the vulnerable method, it can manipulate kernel memory through improper bounds checking or memory pointer handling, potentially leading to memory corruption or unauthorized code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-125, which covers out-of-bounds read conditions, both of which can manifest in kernel memory corruption scenarios. The attack vector specifically leverages the privilege escalation capabilities inherent in kernel-level code execution, allowing unprivileged user processes to gain elevated privileges and execute malicious code with system-level permissions.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-8822 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can result in complete system compromise and persistent backdoor access. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent footholds within targeted systems, potentially enabling data exfiltration, lateral movement, and continued unauthorized access. The vulnerability's ability to cause denial of service through kernel memory writes means that even successful exploitation for malicious purposes could result in system instability or complete system crashes. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.003, which covers command and scripting interpreter for executing code, and T1068, which addresses exploit for privilege escalation. The kernel-level access provided by this vulnerability enables attackers to bypass traditional security controls and operate undetected within the system environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-8822 primarily focus on applying the official Apple security patches released as part of macOS 10.10.2 updates, which address the underlying memory handling issues within the IOHIDFamily component. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all macOS systems receive the necessary updates promptly. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of untrusted applications, monitoring for suspicious kernel-level activity, and maintaining robust system integrity monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and privilege separation can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while regular security assessments should verify system configurations and identify potential additional vulnerabilities that could be leveraged in combination with this kernel-level weakness. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date operating system versions and highlights the risks associated with legacy system components that may contain unpatched kernel vulnerabilities.