CVE-2015-1135 in MacOS X
Summary
by MITRE
fontd in Apple Type Services (ATS) in Apple OS X before 10.10.3 allows local users to gain privileges via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-1131, CVE-2015-1132, CVE-2015-1133, and CVE-2015-1134.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/22/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1135 resides within Apple Type Services (ATS), a critical component of Apple's operating system responsible for font handling and text rendering operations. This flaw exists in Apple OS X versions prior to 10.10.3 and represents a privilege escalation vulnerability that allows local attackers to elevate their system privileges. The vulnerability operates through unspecified vectors that differ from other related vulnerabilities in the same timeframe, making it a distinct threat vector within Apple's font processing architecture.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper privilege handling within the fontd daemon, which is responsible for managing font services in the operating system. When processing font files, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize input parameters, creating opportunities for malicious code execution with elevated privileges. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of privilege escalation flaws that can be exploited by attackers who already have access to a system but lack administrative rights. The unspecified vectors suggest that the vulnerability may involve multiple attack surfaces within the ATS framework, potentially including improper memory handling, insufficient input validation, or flawed permission checks during font processing operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-1135 is significant for organizations running affected Apple OS X versions, as it provides a pathway for local users to escalate their privileges from standard user accounts to administrative level access. This represents a critical security risk because once an attacker gains elevated privileges, they can access sensitive system resources, modify critical files, install malicious software, and potentially establish persistent access to the compromised system. The vulnerability affects systems where users have local login access, making it particularly concerning for environments with shared or multi-user systems. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to bypass standard security controls and gain unauthorized access to protected data or system functions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1135 primarily focus on immediate system updates and patches provided by Apple to address the privilege escalation flaw in fontd. Organizations should prioritize deployment of OS X 10.10.3 or later versions that contain the necessary security fixes. Additionally, system administrators should implement monitoring for unusual privilege escalation activities and review system access controls to minimize potential attack surfaces. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date system patches and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of system components that handle user input, particularly those involved in rendering and processing system resources like fonts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access controls, and represents a typical example of how seemingly benign system components can present critical security risks when not properly secured against malicious input processing.