CVE-2015-3716 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Spotlight in Apple OS X before 10.10.4 allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands via a crafted name of a photo file within the local photo library.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-3716 represents a critical command execution flaw within Apple's Spotlight search functionality affecting macOS versions prior to 10.10.4. This security weakness resides in how Spotlight processes metadata from photo files within the local photo library, creating an avenue for malicious actors to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw specifically manifests when Spotlight encounters a specially crafted photo file name that contains command injection sequences, allowing attackers to leverage the search indexing process as a vector for unauthorized system access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within Spotlight's metadata parsing routines. When users store photo files with maliciously constructed names containing shell command sequences, Spotlight's indexing process inadvertently interprets these sequences as executable commands rather than mere file identifiers. This behavior aligns with CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS command calls, and demonstrates how seemingly benign file naming conventions can be exploited to bypass security controls. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level within the Spotlight framework, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through normal user interactions with the photo library without requiring explicit administrative privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-3716 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with persistent access to target systems through the Spotlight indexing process. Once exploited, malicious commands can be executed with the privileges of the user account running Spotlight, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or establish persistent command and control channels without triggering traditional security monitoring mechanisms. The attack surface is particularly concerning because Spotlight indexing occurs automatically and continuously, meaning that the vulnerability can be exploited repeatedly as long as malicious files remain in the photo library, creating a persistent threat vector that operates outside of typical user awareness.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of mitigation for this vulnerability, beginning with immediate deployment of Apple's security patches for macOS 10.10.4 and subsequent releases. System administrators should also consider disabling Spotlight indexing for sensitive directories or implementing file naming policies that prevent the creation of potentially malicious filenames. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059, which describes command and scripting interpreter techniques, as the exploitation relies on executing commands through legitimate system interfaces. Organizations should also enhance their monitoring capabilities to detect unusual Spotlight indexing activities or command execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments should verify that all systems have been properly updated and that no legacy versions remain in production environments, as the vulnerability could persist in older macOS installations or improperly patched systems.