CVE-2016-1732 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
AppleRAID in Apple OS X before 10.11.4 allows local users to obtain sensitive kernel memory-layout information or cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read) via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1732 resides within AppleRAID, a component of Apple's operating system that manages redundant array of independent disks for data protection and performance enhancement. This flaw affects Apple OS X versions prior to 10.11.4, representing a significant security concern for systems running these older operating systems. The vulnerability manifests in the kernel space where AppleRAID handles disk array operations, creating potential entry points for malicious actors to exploit system weaknesses.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves an out-of-bounds read condition within the AppleRAID subsystem that allows local attackers to access kernel memory addresses beyond the intended boundaries of allocated memory regions. This type of flaw typically occurs when the system fails to properly validate array indices or buffer boundaries during memory operations, enabling unauthorized access to sensitive kernel data structures. The vulnerability specifically impacts the kernel memory layout information, which can reveal critical details about system architecture and memory organization that would normally be protected from user-space access.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability presents multiple risk vectors for adversaries. Local users can potentially extract sensitive kernel memory-layout information that could aid in crafting more sophisticated attacks against the system. The out-of-bounds read condition also creates opportunities for denial of service scenarios where system stability may be compromised through controlled memory access patterns. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions, and represents a classic example of how kernel-level memory management flaws can create exploitable conditions for privilege escalation attacks.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can serve as a foundational weakness that enables more complex attack vectors. Attackers who successfully exploit this condition may be able to map kernel memory structures, potentially identifying other vulnerabilities or creating conditions that allow for privilege escalation to root or kernel-level access. The nature of kernel memory access makes this particularly dangerous as it can provide attackers with insights into system internals that would otherwise remain hidden from normal system operation. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper memory boundary checking in kernel space operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-1732 primarily focus on system updates and patches provided by Apple to address the underlying memory management issues within the AppleRAID subsystem. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of OS X 10.11.4 or later versions to eliminate this vulnerability. Additionally, system administrators should implement monitoring for unusual memory access patterns and ensure that only authorized users have local access to affected systems. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and patch management procedures that can identify and remediate similar kernel-level issues before they can be exploited in real-world scenarios. This vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK framework category of privilege escalation through kernel exploits, emphasizing the need for comprehensive system hardening measures that protect against both known and emerging kernel-level threats.