CVE-2015-3701 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-2015-3700, and CVE-2015-3702.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-3701 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 subsystem that manages hardware acceleration for Intel graphics processors. The vulnerability resides in how the graphics driver handles memory allocation and data processing when executing graphics-related operations, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by local attackers to escalate privileges.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs within the graphics driver's memory management routines where insufficient bounds checking allows malicious data to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This flaw typically manifests when the driver processes graphics commands or data structures that exceed the allocated buffer size, causing memory corruption that can be manipulated to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level within the graphics subsystem, making it particularly dangerous as it can bypass standard user-mode protections and access privileged system resources.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for local attackers who can exploit it to gain root-level access to affected systems. The attack vector requires local system access, meaning an attacker must already have a user account on the target machine, but the privilege escalation capability makes this a serious concern for system administrators. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute code with the highest system privileges, potentially enabling complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or persistent backdoor installation. The impact extends beyond individual system compromise as it affects the integrity of the entire graphics subsystem and can be used as a foothold for broader network infiltration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-3701 primarily involve updating to Apple macOS version 10.10.4 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the buffer overflow conditions in the Intel Graphics Driver. System administrators should prioritize patch management and ensure all macOS systems are updated promptly to prevent exploitation. Additional protective measures include implementing strict access controls, monitoring for unusual graphics driver behavior, and maintaining comprehensive system monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a typical example of how graphics drivers can become attack surfaces for privilege escalation exploits. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege and regularly reviewing system access controls to minimize potential impact from such vulnerabilities. This issue demonstrates the importance of comprehensive driver security testing and the critical nature of maintaining up-to-date system components to protect against known exploits.