CVE-2015-5870 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
The debugging interfaces in the kernel in Apple OS X before 10.11 allow local users to obtain sensitive memory-layout information via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-5870 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the kernel debugging interfaces of Apple OS X operating systems prior to version 10.11. This vulnerability exposes sensitive memory layout information to local attackers who can leverage unspecified vectors to gain insights into the kernel's memory structure. The flaw exists in the kernel's debug interfaces that are typically intended for system developers and administrators during the debugging process but are improperly configured or accessible to unauthorized local users. Such exposure of memory layout information constitutes a significant security risk as it provides attackers with crucial architectural details that could be exploited in subsequent attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate access controls and privilege separation within the kernel debugging subsystem. When debugging interfaces remain accessible to local users without proper authentication mechanisms or privilege checks, they create an attack surface where malicious actors can query kernel memory addresses, data structures, and memory mapping information. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-200 category of "Information Exposure" and specifically relates to improper restriction of information exposure through debugging interfaces. The flaw demonstrates poor privilege management where kernel-level debugging features are not properly restricted to authorized personnel only.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-5870 extends beyond simple information disclosure as it provides attackers with essential information needed for more sophisticated exploitation techniques. Memory layout information obtained through this vulnerability can be used to bypass kernel address space layout randomization defenses, a technique commonly referenced in the ATT&CK framework under T1068 for "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation." Attackers can leverage this information to craft more effective buffer overflow exploits, return-oriented programming attacks, or other memory corruption techniques that rely on knowing specific memory addresses and layout patterns. The vulnerability essentially undermines the security of the kernel's memory protection mechanisms by exposing architectural details that should remain confidential.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates to Apple OS X version 10.11 or later, which addressed the improper access controls in kernel debugging interfaces. System administrators should also implement comprehensive monitoring of kernel debugging interface usage and ensure that debugging features are disabled in production environments where they are not required for legitimate system maintenance. The remediation aligns with security best practices outlined in the CWE guidelines for preventing information exposure through debug interfaces and follows the principle of least privilege enforcement. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as kernel hardening measures, privileged access management, and regular security audits to prevent similar vulnerabilities from existing in other system components. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper privilege separation and the need for comprehensive security reviews of kernel-level interfaces that could potentially expose sensitive system information to unauthorized users.