CVE-2015-7052 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
kext tools in Apple OS X before 10.11.2 mishandles kernel-extension loading, which allows local users to gain privileges via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7052 resides within the kernel extension loading mechanisms of Apple's macOS operating system, specifically affecting versions prior to 10.11.2. This flaw represents a critical privilege escalation vulnerability that exploits the improper handling of kernel extensions during the loading process. The issue manifests through unspecified vectors that allow local attackers to elevate their privileges from standard user level to root access, fundamentally compromising the system's security model.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation and sanitization of kernel extension loading operations within the operating system's kernel space. Kernel extensions, or kexts, are modules that extend the functionality of the operating system kernel and require elevated privileges to load. The improper handling occurs during the verification and loading phases where the system fails to properly validate the integrity and authenticity of kernel extensions before executing them in privileged mode. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-264 category of "Permissions, Privileges, and Access Controls" and specifically relates to improper privilege management within kernel space operations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to macOS systems as it enables local users to execute arbitrary code with root privileges without requiring authentication or physical access to the system. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting malicious kernel extensions or manipulating existing extension loading processes to gain unauthorized administrative access. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, persistence mechanisms, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level, making it particularly dangerous as it bypasses typical user-space security controls and detection mechanisms.
The exploitation of CVE-2015-7052 aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly focusing on privilege escalation techniques and kernel-mode exploitation. The vulnerability enables adversaries to move from user-level access to kernel-level control, which is classified under ATT&CK technique T1068 for "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and T1059 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter" when combined with subsequent malicious activities. Organizations should note that this vulnerability was addressed through the release of macOS 10.11.2, which implemented proper validation mechanisms for kernel extension loading and strengthened the security controls around kernel-space operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate deployment of macOS 10.11.2 or later versions, which contain patches addressing the kernel extension loading flaws. System administrators should also implement additional security measures such as monitoring for suspicious kernel extension loading activities, enforcing kernel extension signing requirements, and maintaining up-to-date security policies. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper kernel space validation and the necessity of robust privilege control mechanisms. Organizations should conduct security assessments to verify that all systems have been updated and that kernel extension management policies are properly enforced to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.