CVE-2016-1759 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
The kernel 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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1759 represents a critical kernel-level flaw in Apple's macOS operating system affecting versions prior to 10.11.4. This vulnerability resides within the kernel's memory management subsystem and constitutes a privilege escalation vector that could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The flaw manifests when the system processes a specially crafted application that triggers memory corruption during kernel execution, potentially allowing malicious actors to bypass security controls and gain unauthorized access to system resources. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the fundamental security model of the operating system by creating an entry point for unauthorized privilege elevation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper memory handling within the kernel's application loading and execution mechanisms. When a malicious application is launched, the kernel's memory management routines fail to properly validate or sanitize input parameters, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to redirect execution flow. This memory corruption typically occurs through buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions that allow attackers to manipulate kernel memory structures. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow conditions, both of which are common precursors to privilege escalation exploits. The attack vector requires local user interaction through the execution of a malicious application, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may encounter untrusted software.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-1759 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute code with kernel-level privileges, effectively bypassing all user-mode security controls and gaining complete system control. This includes the ability to install malware, modify system files, access encrypted data, and establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability also presents a denial of service risk where memory corruption can cause system crashes or instability, potentially leading to complete system shutdowns. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation, and T1059, which involves command and scripting interpreter usage, as attackers can leverage the elevated privileges to execute further malicious activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-1759 primarily focus on system updates and operational security measures. The most effective solution involves upgrading to macOS version 10.11.4 or later, which includes kernel memory management patches that address the underlying vulnerability. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management policies to ensure all endpoints receive security updates promptly. Additional mitigations include implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted applications, enabling System Integrity Protection (SIP) features, and monitoring for unusual kernel-level activity. Network-based detection systems should be configured to identify potential exploitation attempts through anomalous memory access patterns or privilege escalation indicators. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments to identify systems running vulnerable versions and implement layered defense strategies that reduce the attack surface and limit potential exploitation success. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of timely security updates and proper kernel security implementation in preventing high-impact privilege escalation attacks.