CVE-2014-8826 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
LaunchServices in Apple OS X before 10.10.2 does not properly handle file-type metadata, which allows attackers to bypass the Gatekeeper protection mechanism via a crafted JAR archive.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-8826 resides within Apple's LaunchServices framework, which is responsible for managing how applications and files are associated and launched within macOS operating systems. This flaw specifically affects versions of OS X prior to 10.10.2, creating a significant security gap that undermines the operating system's built-in protection mechanisms. The issue stems from improper handling of file-type metadata, which represents a fundamental weakness in how the system processes and validates file associations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a crafted JAR archive that manipulates file-type metadata in a way that tricks the system into treating malicious files as legitimate applications. Gatekeeper, Apple's primary security feature designed to prevent the execution of untrusted software, relies on accurate file-type identification to make trust decisions. When LaunchServices fails to properly validate this metadata, it allows attackers to bypass these security checks by creating JAR files that appear to be safe applications while actually containing malicious payloads. This represents a classic case of improper input validation where the system accepts malformed metadata without sufficient verification.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with a method to circumvent one of the most critical security controls in modern operating systems. Security researchers have documented how this flaw can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code without user interaction, effectively neutralizing Gatekeeper's protection for users running affected versions. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited through various attack surfaces including email attachments, web downloads, and removable media, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may encounter untrusted content.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which addresses "Improper Input Validation," and demonstrates how metadata handling flaws can lead to complete bypass of security mechanisms. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this represents a technique for privilege escalation and persistence through application installation and execution, specifically categorized under T1546.001 for "System Scripting Languages and Programs" and T1059 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter." The flaw also connects to T1070.006 for "Indicator Removal on Host" as attackers may use this method to avoid detection while establishing malicious presence on systems. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to address this vulnerability, as the window for exploitation remains open for users running OS X versions before 10.10.2, with the remediation process involving straightforward system updates that restore proper metadata validation controls within the LaunchServices framework.