CVE-2015-3697 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-2015-3695, CVE-2015-3696, 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-2015-3697 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Intel Graphics Driver component of Apple's macOS operating system. This issue affects versions prior to macOS 10.10.4 and specifically targets the graphics driver subsystem that manages Intel graphics hardware integration. The vulnerability resides in the kernel-level graphics driver code that handles graphics processing commands and data structures, creating an exploitable condition that could be leveraged by malicious actors. Unlike other related vulnerabilities in the same CVE series, this particular flaw manifests through distinct attack vectors that specifically target the graphics driver's memory management mechanisms. The buffer overflow condition occurs when the driver processes certain graphics-related input data, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow stems from inadequate bounds checking within the graphics driver's data processing routines. When the driver receives malformed graphics commands or data structures from user-space applications, it fails to properly validate the size and content of incoming buffers before copying data into fixed-size internal storage areas. This allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical driver structures or injecting malicious code into the kernel space. The vulnerability's exploitation requires local system access since the graphics driver operates within the kernel context, making privilege escalation possible from a standard user account to kernel-level privileges. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-121, which describes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows data to be written beyond allocated buffer boundaries, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through kernel exploits.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-3697 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain complete system control while remaining undetected. The graphics driver's kernel-level execution context means that any code injected through this vulnerability would operate with the highest system privileges, potentially allowing for complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or persistent backdoor installation. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to bypass standard security controls and access sensitive system resources that would normally be protected from user-level access. The vulnerability's persistence characteristics make it particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios where adversaries seek long-term access to compromised systems. Additionally, the graphics driver's constant operation and frequent interaction with user applications create multiple potential attack surfaces that could be exploited to trigger the buffer overflow condition.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-3697 primarily focus on immediate system updates and patch management, as Apple released macOS 10.10.4 to address this specific vulnerability. System administrators should prioritize deployment of the latest security patches to eliminate the buffer overflow condition and prevent exploitation attempts. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect unusual graphics driver activity or potential exploitation attempts that might indicate an active attack. The vulnerability's nature suggests that traditional antivirus solutions may not effectively detect exploitation attempts, making behavioral monitoring and system integrity checks more valuable. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as kernel extension signing requirements and restricted graphics driver functionality in environments where the risk of exploitation is particularly high. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to graphics driver manipulation and maintain updated threat intelligence regarding similar kernel-level vulnerabilities in graphics drivers. The vulnerability highlights the importance of comprehensive security testing for kernel components and the need for robust memory safety mechanisms in system drivers that operate with elevated privileges.