CVE-2016-1736 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Bluetooth in Apple OS X before 10.11.4 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code in a privileged context or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted app, a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-1735.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1736 represents a critical security flaw in Apple's operating system that affected versions prior to 10.11.4. This issue specifically targets the Bluetooth subsystem and demonstrates how wireless communication protocols can be exploited to gain elevated privileges within the operating system. The vulnerability operates through a sophisticated attack vector that leverages a crafted application to manipulate the Bluetooth stack, creating opportunities for both privilege escalation and system instability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves memory corruption within the Bluetooth processing components of OS X. When a malicious application is executed, it can trigger improper memory handling within the Bluetooth framework, leading to unpredictable behavior that attackers can exploit to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. This flaw falls under the category of privilege escalation vulnerabilities, specifically targeting the kernel-level processes that manage Bluetooth communications. The memory corruption aspect suggests that the vulnerability may involve buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions that allow attackers to overwrite critical memory structures and redirect execution flow.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for macOS users and organizations relying on Apple's ecosystem. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain root-level access to affected systems, enabling them to install malware, modify system files, or exfiltrate sensitive data without detection. The privilege escalation capability means that even users with standard accounts could potentially gain administrative privileges, undermining the fundamental security model of the operating system. The denial of service component further compounds the threat, as attackers could destabilize systems and disrupt normal operations while simultaneously attempting to establish persistent access.
The attack surface for CVE-2016-1736 extends beyond simple exploitation to include sophisticated attack chains that could be integrated with other vulnerabilities. This particular flaw aligns with the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation tactics, specifically targeting the use of system services and kernel-level vulnerabilities to gain elevated access. The vulnerability also relates to CWE-119 which describes weaknesses in memory handling, and CWE-264 which covers permissions, privileges, and access control issues. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader attack surface that includes wireless communication protocols and their interaction with system-level services.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-1736 primarily focus on immediate system updates and operational security measures. Apple's release of OS X 10.11.4 addressed the underlying memory corruption issues within the Bluetooth subsystem through patches that corrected the improper memory handling. Organizations should prioritize patch deployment across all affected systems and implement monitoring for suspicious Bluetooth-related activities. Additional defensive measures include disabling Bluetooth when not in use, implementing network segmentation to limit lateral movement, and conducting regular security assessments of wireless infrastructure. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and demonstrates how seemingly isolated protocol vulnerabilities can create significant security risks when combined with other attack vectors in modern enterprise environments.