CVE-2015-1142 in MacOS X
Summary
by MITRE
LaunchServices in Apple OS X before 10.10.3 allows local users to cause a denial of service (Finder crash) via crafted localization data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1142 resides within the LaunchServices framework of Apple's macOS operating system, specifically affecting versions prior to 10.10.3. This flaw represents a classic case of improper input validation that enables malicious local users to manipulate system behavior through carefully crafted localization data. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of system-level service management and internationalization support, where the operating system's handling of localized resource files becomes a vector for system instability.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the system processes localization data that contains malformed or unexpected values within resource bundles or localization files. LaunchServices, which manages the registration and launching of applications and services, fails to properly sanitize or validate the localization metadata it encounters during application registration or system initialization processes. When malformed localization data is encountered, the system's parsing routines within LaunchServices crash, resulting in a cascading failure that affects the Finder application and potentially other system components that depend on proper service registration.
This vulnerability presents a significant operational impact for macOS environments, particularly in scenarios where local users might have access to system resources or where automated deployment processes might inadvertently introduce corrupted localization files. The denial of service condition manifests as Finder crashes, which can disrupt user productivity and potentially affect system stability during critical operations. The vulnerability is classified as a local privilege escalation vector since it requires local system access but does not necessitate administrative privileges to exploit, making it particularly concerning for environments with multiple user accounts or shared systems.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of input boundaries, and demonstrates how localization support can become a security surface area when not properly secured. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under privilege escalation and denial of service tactics, as attackers can leverage this weakness to disrupt normal system operations without requiring elevated privileges. The vulnerability also reflects broader concerns in operating system security where complex frameworks that handle internationalization and localization data can become attack vectors due to insufficient input validation and error handling mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve applying the official security patches released by Apple for macOS 10.10.3 and subsequent versions. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all affected systems. Additional protective measures include monitoring for unusual Finder behavior or system crashes that might indicate exploitation attempts, implementing proper access controls to limit local user privileges where possible, and conducting regular security assessments of system components that handle localization data. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit potential exploitation vectors while maintaining operational security posture against similar vulnerabilities in other system components.