CVE-2015-7020 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
The NVIDIA driver in the Graphics Drivers subsystem in Apple OS X before 10.11.1 allows local users to obtain sensitive information from kernel memory or cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read and system crash) via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-7019.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7020 represents a critical security flaw within the NVIDIA graphics driver implementation in Apple's operating system ecosystem. This issue affects macOS versions prior to 10.11.1 and resides within the Graphics Drivers subsystem, specifically targeting the kernel-level components that manage graphics processing operations. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory access controls within the graphics driver code, creating potential pathways for malicious exploitation that could compromise system integrity and confidentiality.
The technical nature of this vulnerability manifests through out-of-bounds read operations and system crash conditions that occur when the NVIDIA graphics driver processes certain inputs or requests. Attackers can leverage these flaws to either extract sensitive kernel memory information or trigger system instability leading to denial of service conditions. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level where privilege separation is typically most critical, making it particularly dangerous as it can potentially allow local users to bypass normal security boundaries and access memory regions that should remain protected. This type of flaw falls under the category of memory corruption vulnerabilities and specifically aligns with CWE-125 out-of-bounds read conditions and CWE-129 improper input validation patterns.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-7020 extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass system stability and availability concerns. Local attackers with minimal privileges can exploit this vulnerability to either extract confidential information from kernel memory spaces or force system crashes that could disrupt normal operations. The out-of-bounds read capabilities mean that attackers can potentially access sensitive data structures, credentials, or system configuration information that should remain isolated from user-space processes. Additionally, the system crash potential creates opportunities for denial of service attacks that could affect critical system functions or render the device unusable until manual intervention occurs.
From an adversary perspective, this vulnerability represents a significant attack surface that aligns with several MITRE ATT&CK framework techniques including privilege escalation through kernel exploits and credential access via memory reading capabilities. The fact that this vulnerability exists in the graphics driver subsystem means it operates with high privileges, potentially allowing attackers to gain deeper system access than would be possible through standard user-level exploitation techniques. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of kernel-level security reviews and the need for comprehensive testing of driver components that operate with elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-7020 primarily focus on updating to the patched version of macOS 10.11.1 or later where Apple has addressed the underlying driver implementation issues. System administrators should prioritize deployment of the official security updates provided by Apple to ensure complete remediation of this vulnerability. Additional protective measures include implementing kernel memory protection mechanisms, monitoring for suspicious system behavior or kernel-level access patterns, and maintaining regular security assessments of graphics driver components. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and privilege separation controls to limit potential exploitation impact. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date system firmware and driver components as part of comprehensive security management programs, particularly in environments where graphics processing is critical for system operations.