CVE-2015-1136 in MacOS X
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in CoreAnimation in Apple OS X before 10.10.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by leveraging improper use of a mutex.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2024
The CVE-2015-1136 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw within CoreAnimation framework of Apple's macOS operating system. This vulnerability exists in versions prior to 10.10.3 and specifically targets the improper handling of mutex synchronization mechanisms within the CoreAnimation subsystem. The flaw occurs when the system fails to properly manage memory references after object deallocation, creating opportunities for malicious code execution through carefully crafted remote attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the improper use of mutex locks within CoreAnimation's memory management processes. When a mutex is acquired and subsequently released without proper synchronization checks, it creates a window where memory objects can be freed while still being referenced by other processes or threads. This race condition allows attackers to manipulate the memory state and potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability specifically affects how CoreAnimation handles concurrent access to shared resources, making it particularly dangerous in multi-threaded environments where proper mutex usage is critical for memory safety.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to macOS systems since CoreAnimation is extensively used throughout the operating system for graphical rendering and animation purposes. Attackers can leverage this flaw through various attack vectors including malicious web content, email attachments, or compromised applications that trigger CoreAnimation components. The remote execution capability means that adversaries can exploit this vulnerability without requiring local access, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where systems may be exposed to untrusted network traffic. The use-after-free condition allows for potential privilege escalation attacks that could compromise system integrity and confidentiality.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions in software development, and demonstrates how improper resource management can lead to severe security implications. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation and execution tactics, as it allows remote code execution that can be leveraged to gain unauthorized system access. The attack surface is particularly broad given CoreAnimation's integration with numerous system components and third-party applications that utilize the framework for graphical user interfaces. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including system updates to macOS 10.10.3 or later, network segmentation to limit exposure, and monitoring for suspicious execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any applications that may be using vulnerable CoreAnimation components and ensure proper patch management protocols are in place to prevent similar issues in the future.