CVE-2015-5865 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
IOGraphics in Apple OS X before 10.11 allows attackers to obtain sensitive kernel memory-layout information via a crafted app.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-5865 resides within the IOGraphics framework of Apple's macOS operating system, specifically affecting versions prior to 10.11. This issue represents a significant information disclosure flaw that enables malicious actors to extract critical kernel memory layout details through carefully crafted applications. The IOGraphics component serves as the graphics subsystem responsible for managing display drivers and graphics hardware interactions within the operating system kernel space. When exploited, this vulnerability exposes sensitive memory addresses and kernel structures that could provide attackers with valuable insights into the system's internal architecture.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a crafted application that leverages improper memory access controls within the IOGraphics framework. Attackers can manipulate the graphics subsystem to trigger memory leaks or information disclosure mechanisms that reveal kernel memory addresses, structure layouts, and other sensitive data that should remain protected within the kernel's privileged execution environment. This type of information disclosure vulnerability falls under the CWE-200 category of "Information Exposure" and specifically relates to the exposure of sensitive system information that could aid in subsequent exploitation attempts. The flaw demonstrates a lack of proper input validation and memory protection mechanisms within the graphics driver interface.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-5865 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked memory layout information significantly weakens the system's overall security posture. Attackers who obtain kernel memory addresses can use this information to bypass modern exploit mitigation techniques such as address space layout randomization and kernel address space layout randomization. The exposure of memory layout details provides adversaries with crucial data needed to craft more sophisticated attacks, potentially enabling them to perform kernel exploits, privilege escalation, or other advanced persistent threat operations. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.003 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Windows Command Shell" and T1068 for "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" by providing the necessary reconnaissance data for more advanced attack vectors.
The remediation for this vulnerability requires updating to Apple macOS version 10.11 or later, which includes patches that strengthen memory access controls within the IOGraphics framework. System administrators should prioritize this update across all affected macOS installations to prevent exploitation. Additionally, implementing network monitoring to detect suspicious application behavior and maintaining updated security tooling can provide defense-in-depth measures against potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized applications from executing in environments where such vulnerabilities might be exploited, particularly in high-value target environments where the risk of advanced persistent threats is elevated. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date system firmware and kernel components to prevent exploitation of information disclosure flaws that could compromise entire system security domains.