CVE-2014-8828 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Sandbox in Apple OS X before 10.10 allows attackers to write to the sandbox-profile cache via a sandboxed app that includes a com.apple.sandbox segment in a path.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-8828 represents a significant sandbox escape flaw in Apple's operating system prior to version 10.10. This issue stems from improper handling of sandbox profile caching mechanisms within the macOS security framework, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass intended security boundaries. The vulnerability specifically targets the sandboxing architecture that Apple implemented to restrict application access to system resources and user data.
The technical flaw manifests when a sandboxed application attempts to write to a path that contains a com.apple.sandbox segment, which triggers an unintended behavior in the sandbox profile cache management system. This cache mechanism, designed to optimize sandbox enforcement by pre-loading profile information, becomes exploitable when crafted malicious paths are processed through the system. The vulnerability exploits a race condition or improper validation in how the system handles these specific path segments, allowing an attacker to manipulate the cache contents and effectively elevate privileges beyond the intended sandbox boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to circumvent the core security model that protects user data and system integrity. An attacker could potentially modify sandbox profiles to grant additional permissions to malicious applications, access restricted files, or even inject code into processes that should be isolated. This weakness undermines the fundamental premise of sandboxing, which is to contain applications within defined security boundaries and prevent them from accessing unauthorized system resources or user data.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper privilege management, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1548.001 for privilege escalation through the abuse of system-level privileges. The attack vector specifically targets the macOS sandboxing subsystem, which is part of the broader security architecture that includes code signing, entitlements, and system integrity protection mechanisms. The exploitation requires a sandboxed application to be running with sufficient privileges to manipulate the cache, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may inadvertently execute malicious software.
Mitigation strategies should focus on applying the official macOS security updates that address this specific sandbox cache manipulation issue. System administrators should ensure all macOS systems are updated to version 10.10 or later, where Apple implemented proper validation of path segments containing com.apple.sandbox components. Additional protective measures include implementing strict application whitelisting policies, monitoring for unusual cache file modifications, and employing automated security tools that can detect anomalous sandbox behavior patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain regular security assessments to identify other potential sandboxing vulnerabilities in their macOS environments.