CVE-2015-3699 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-2015-3697, CVE-2015-3698, CVE-2015-3700, CVE-2015-3701, and CVE-2015-3702.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-3699 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Intel Graphics Driver component of Apple's macOS operating system. This issue affects versions prior to 10.10.4 and specifically targets the graphics driver subsystem that manages Intel graphics hardware integration. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level where graphics processing operations interact with system memory, creating an attack surface that can be exploited by local malicious actors. The flaw manifests when the graphics driver fails to properly validate input data during buffer operations, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for privilege escalation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper bounds checking within the graphics driver's memory management routines. When processing graphics-related commands or data structures, the driver does not adequately verify the size or content of incoming buffers, allowing attackers to overflow predetermined memory regions. This buffer overflow condition creates opportunities for code execution in kernel space, where the privilege level is significantly higher than user-space applications. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the graphics subsystem which often requires elevated privileges to function properly, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to elevate their system access level.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to macOS systems running affected versions. Local users who can execute code on the target system can exploit this flaw to gain root privileges, effectively compromising the entire operating environment. The attack vector requires local access but does not need network connectivity, making it particularly dangerous in environments where physical access or legitimate user credentials are compromised. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it can enable attackers to bypass security controls, install persistent backdoors, or exfiltrate sensitive data from the system. The fact that this vulnerability is distinct from several other related issues in the same advisory series indicates it operates through a different code path or implementation approach, making it more difficult to predict or defend against.
The security implications of CVE-2015-3699 align with common attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly in the privilege escalation and defense evasion domains. This vulnerability directly supports techniques such as kernel exploitation and privilege escalation through software vulnerabilities, which are categorized under ATT&CK tactics. The flaw also relates to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow scenarios. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader threat landscape where attackers increasingly target kernel-level components due to the high-value privileges they can provide. The vulnerability's classification as a local privilege escalation issue means it can be exploited by attackers who have already gained some level of access to the system, making it particularly dangerous in multi-layered attack scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-3699 focus primarily on system updates and patch management. Apple released macOS 10.10.4 which included fixes for this vulnerability along with related graphics driver issues. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the official security patches to prevent exploitation. Additional defensive measures include implementing proper access controls to limit local user privileges, monitoring for unusual graphics driver behavior, and maintaining comprehensive system logging to detect potential exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and endpoint protection solutions can provide additional layers of defense, though they cannot prevent exploitation of local privilege escalation vulnerabilities. System administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary graphics features or services that might increase the attack surface, particularly in high-security environments where the risk of local compromise is elevated. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining current system patches and the potential consequences of running outdated software versions in enterprise environments.