CVE-2015-1144 in MacOS X
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the UniformTypeIdentifiers component in Apple OS X before 10.10.3 allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted Uniform Type Identifier.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1144 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the UniformTypeIdentifiers component of Apple's macOS operating system. This issue affects versions prior to macOS 10.10.3 and demonstrates a fundamental weakness in how the system processes Uniform Type Identifiers, which are essential for file type recognition and handling within the operating environment. The vulnerability resides in the core system components responsible for managing file type metadata and identification mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs when the system processes crafted Uniform Type Identifiers that exceed the allocated buffer space. This flaw allows an attacker to manipulate memory layout by overwriting adjacent memory regions, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with elevated privileges. The vulnerability specifically targets the memory management routines within the UniformTypeIdentifiers framework, where input validation is insufficient to prevent buffer overflows during type identifier processing. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic privilege escalation vector through memory corruption attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple local privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with a reliable method to elevate their privileges from standard user accounts to system-level access. This capability enables malicious actors to bypass security controls, install persistent backdoors, modify system files, and potentially access sensitive user data. The attack vector requires local system access but does not necessitate network connectivity, making it particularly dangerous in environments where physical access or initial compromise is possible. The vulnerability affects the broader macOS ecosystem by undermining the integrity of file type handling mechanisms that are fundamental to system security operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1144 primarily involve applying the official security patches released by Apple through macOS updates. System administrators should prioritize deployment of macOS 10.10.3 or later versions that contain the necessary fixes to address the buffer overflow conditions. Additional defensive measures include implementing proper input validation procedures, monitoring for unusual memory access patterns, and maintaining updated security monitoring solutions that can detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in system-level components and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers exploit for privilege escalation. Organizations should also consider implementing application sandboxing and privilege separation mechanisms to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities, as they represent a significant threat to system integrity and user data protection.