CVE-2015-3695 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the Intel Graphics Driver in Apple OS X before 10.10.4 allows local users to gain privileges via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-3696, CVE-2015-3697, CVE-2015-3698, CVE-2015-3699, CVE-2015-3700, CVE-2015-3701, and CVE-2015-3702.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-3695 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Intel Graphics Driver component of Apple's operating system ecosystem. This issue specifically affects macOS versions prior to 10.10.4, creating a significant security risk that could be exploited by local attackers to escalate their privileges. The vulnerability resides in the graphics driver subsystem that manages Intel graphics hardware integration with the operating system, making it a prime target for privilege escalation attacks. Unlike other related vulnerabilities in the same CVE family, this particular flaw operates through distinct exploitation vectors, suggesting a unique implementation weakness within the graphics driver's memory management mechanisms. The buffer overflow condition occurs when the driver fails to properly validate input data during graphics processing operations, potentially allowing malicious code to overwrite adjacent memory regions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the Intel Graphics Driver's memory handling routines. When processing graphics-related commands or data structures, the driver does not sufficiently validate the size or content of incoming buffers, creating opportunities for attackers to craft malicious input that exceeds allocated memory boundaries. This memory corruption can occur during routine graphics operations such as rendering, texture processing, or display management functions that utilize the Intel graphics hardware. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, where insufficient validation allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability's exploitation typically requires local system access, making it a privilege escalation issue rather than a remote attack vector, though the implications for system security remain severe given that local access often represents a foothold for broader compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-3695 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain administrative privileges on affected systems. This elevated access level would allow malicious actors to modify system files, install persistent backdoors, access sensitive user data, and potentially compromise the entire system. The vulnerability's presence in the graphics driver layer makes it particularly dangerous because graphics processing is frequently utilized by legitimate applications, increasing the attack surface and likelihood of exploitation. Additionally, since the Intel Graphics Driver operates with elevated privileges to manage hardware resources, any compromise of this component could lead to complete system takeover. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation,' where attackers leverage software flaws to gain higher system privileges. The fact that this vulnerability affects a core system component like a graphics driver means that exploitation could occur without requiring specialized knowledge of the system architecture, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-3695 primarily focus on applying the official security patches released by Apple for macOS 10.10.4 and subsequent versions. System administrators should prioritize updating affected systems to ensure the graphics driver receives proper bounds checking and memory management improvements. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual graphics processing activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additional defensive measures include restricting local user access where possible, implementing application whitelisting policies, and conducting regular security assessments of graphics-related system components. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of keeping graphics drivers updated, as these components often operate with high privileges and handle sensitive data processing. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of local privilege escalation exploits, ensuring that even if one system is compromised, lateral movement remains restricted. The vulnerability's resolution through Apple's security update process demonstrates the importance of vendor-provided patches in addressing low-level driver vulnerabilities that could affect system integrity and user security.