CVE-2014-8824 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
The kernel in Apple OS X before 10.10.2 does not properly validate IODataQueue object metadata fields, which allows attackers to execute arbitrary code in a privileged context via a crafted app.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-8824 represents a critical kernel-level flaw in Apple's macOS operating system affecting versions prior to 10.10.2. This issue resides within the IODataQueue subsystem which is responsible for managing data queues used by kernel extensions and drivers to communicate with user-space applications. The vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of metadata fields within IODataQueue objects, creating a potential pathway for privilege escalation attacks. The flaw specifically targets the kernel's handling of data structures that are used to facilitate communication between kernel components and user applications, making it particularly dangerous as it operates at the most privileged level of the operating system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions in software systems. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious applications that manipulate the metadata fields of IODataQueue objects in ways that bypass kernel validation mechanisms. When the kernel processes these malformed data structures, it can lead to memory corruption that allows arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges. This type of vulnerability is classified as a kernel-level buffer overflow or memory corruption issue that leverages improper input validation techniques. The attack vector requires a user to run a specially crafted application, but once executed, the malicious code operates with the highest privileges available to the system, effectively compromising the entire operating environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-8824 is severe and aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation and persistence techniques. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain complete control over the target system, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system compromise, and establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require special privileges to initiate the attack, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered by any user with the ability to execute applications. This makes it a prime target for social engineering campaigns where users might be tricked into running malicious applications. The kernel-level nature of the vulnerability means that traditional user-space security measures such as application sandboxing or privilege separation may not effectively prevent exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate installation of Apple's security updates, specifically macOS 10.10.2 or later versions that contain patches addressing the IODataQueue validation issues. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all macOS systems are updated promptly. Additional protective measures include monitoring for suspicious application execution patterns, implementing application whitelisting policies, and conducting regular security assessments of kernel extensions and drivers. Organizations should also consider network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the critical need for robust kernel security mechanisms that prevent malicious data from corrupting system memory structures. Security professionals should also be aware that similar issues may exist in other kernel subsystems and should conduct thorough code reviews of kernel components to identify potential validation gaps that could lead to similar privilege escalation vulnerabilities.