CVE-2015-3714 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Apple OS X before 10.10.4 does not properly consider custom resource rules during app signature verification, which allows attackers to bypass intended launch restrictions via a modified app.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-3714 represents a critical flaw in Apple's operating system security model that affects versions prior to 10.10.4. This issue resides in the application signature verification process where the system fails to adequately enforce custom resource rules that are designed to restrict application execution. The flaw stems from insufficient validation mechanisms that should have prevented malicious actors from circumventing intended launch restrictions through modified applications. According to CWE-284, this vulnerability demonstrates improper access control where the system does not properly enforce authorization policies during application execution. The security implications extend beyond simple privilege escalation as they fundamentally compromise the operating system's application sandboxing mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs during the app signature verification process where the system should validate both the application's digital signature and its compliance with custom resource rules defined by the system administrator or security policies. However, the flaw allows attackers to modify applications while maintaining valid signatures, effectively bypassing the intended launch restrictions. This occurs because the verification mechanism does not properly cross-reference the application's resource access rules against its modified content, creating a pathway for unauthorized execution. The vulnerability specifically impacts the Gatekeeper security feature which is responsible for ensuring that only trusted applications can be executed on the system. This weakness aligns with ATT&CK technique T1553.004 which involves bypassing application control measures through modification of signed binaries.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-3714 is significant as it allows attackers to execute modified applications that would normally be restricted from running, potentially enabling the deployment of malicious software that bypasses standard security controls. Organizations relying on custom resource rules to control application execution are particularly vulnerable, as the flaw renders these restrictions ineffective. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to install backdoors, malware, or other malicious software that would otherwise be blocked by the system's launch restrictions. The vulnerability affects both enterprise environments where custom security policies are enforced and individual users who rely on the system's default security controls. System administrators cannot trust that their custom resource rules will be properly enforced, undermining the security posture of the entire operating environment. This vulnerability represents a failure in the principle of least privilege where applications may execute with elevated privileges or access restricted resources that should be denied based on established security policies.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-3714 require immediate system updates to Apple OS X version 10.10.4 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the signature verification flaw. Organizations should also implement additional security measures including regular monitoring of application execution, enhanced endpoint protection solutions, and verification of application integrity through third-party tools. Security teams must review and validate existing custom resource rules to ensure they are still effective against this vulnerability. The patch addresses the core issue by strengthening the signature verification process to properly consider custom resource rules during app validation. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing additional layers of security such as application whitelisting solutions, network-based restrictions, and behavioral monitoring to detect anomalous application execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date operating systems and the critical role that timely patch management plays in preventing exploitation of known security flaws.