CVE-2015-3700 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-2015-3699, CVE-2015-3701, and CVE-2015-3702.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-3700 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Intel Graphics Driver component of Apple's operating system ecosystem. This issue affects macOS versions prior to 10.10.4 and demonstrates the inherent risks associated with graphics driver implementations in modern operating systems. The vulnerability resides in the graphics driver's handling of memory operations, specifically when processing certain graphics-related data structures that are processed by the kernel-level graphics subsystem. The flaw allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, effectively bypassing standard user-level security boundaries. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning because graphics drivers operate at kernel level and maintain extensive access to system resources, making them prime targets for privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-121 indicates a classic stack-based buffer overflow condition where insufficient bounds checking permits data to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical system structures or injecting malicious code execution paths.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2015-3700 occurs through manipulation of graphics driver interfaces that process user-supplied data or graphics commands. When legitimate graphics operations are performed through the affected driver, the buffer overflow condition manifests during memory allocation or data processing phases, allowing attackers to overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical kernel data structures. This vulnerability operates within the ATT&CK framework under the privilege escalation category, specifically targeting the 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' technique where attackers leverage software flaws to execute code with higher privileges. The attack vector requires local system access and involves crafting specific graphics operations or graphics files that trigger the buffer overflow condition. Unlike other related vulnerabilities such as CVE-2015-3695 through CVE-2015-3702 which targeted different aspects of the graphics stack, CVE-2015-3700 specifically focuses on a distinct memory corruption pattern within the Intel Graphics Driver implementation that was not addressed by previous patches. The exploitation process typically involves preparing malicious graphics content or manipulating existing graphics operations to cause the driver to allocate insufficient buffer space for incoming data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity of the operating system's graphics subsystem and potentially the entire system security model. Successful exploitation enables attackers to execute code with kernel-level privileges, providing complete control over system resources, access to protected memory regions, and the ability to install persistent backdoors or modify critical system files. This vulnerability represents a significant threat to enterprise environments where macOS systems may be running outdated versions and where graphics processing is actively used. The local privilege escalation nature means that any user account on the system could potentially exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments or shared computing scenarios. The vulnerability's presence in the graphics driver also means that exploitation could occur through various legitimate graphics applications, including web browsers, media players, or any application that utilizes the system's graphics capabilities, potentially creating attack vectors that are difficult to detect and prevent.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-3700 primarily focus on system updates and security hardening measures. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to macOS 10.10.4 or later versions where Apple has implemented patches addressing this specific buffer overflow condition. These patches typically include enhanced bounds checking mechanisms, stack canaries, and improved memory management practices within the graphics driver code. System administrators should also implement application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of graphics-related applications that may trigger the vulnerability, particularly in environments where users cannot be trusted to maintain updated systems. Additional mitigations include enabling kernel address space layout randomization (KASLR) and other exploit prevention techniques that make successful exploitation more difficult. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual graphics processing activities or kernel memory operations that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's resolution demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date system components and highlights the critical nature of graphics driver security in modern operating systems, where kernel-level components represent significant attack surfaces that require continuous security assessment and patch management.