CVE-2016-1793 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
AppleGraphicsControl in Apple OS X before 10.11.5 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code in a privileged context or cause a denial of service (NULL pointer dereference) via a crafted app, a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-1794.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1793 resides within AppleGraphicsControl, a component of Apple's operating system that manages graphics processing and control functions. This flaw affects Apple OS X versions prior to 10.11.5, representing a critical security weakness that could be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorized access or disrupt system operations. The vulnerability specifically manifests through a NULL pointer dereference condition that occurs when processing crafted applications, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered by seemingly benign software interactions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a NULL pointer dereference within the graphics control subsystem, which constitutes a classic software flaw categorized under CWE-476. When a malicious application attempts to interact with the AppleGraphicsControl component, the system fails to properly validate pointer references, leading to a situation where a NULL pointer is dereferenced. This condition typically results in a system crash or, more critically, provides an opportunity for privilege escalation attacks. The flaw operates at a kernel-level interface, meaning that successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially compromising the entire system.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-1793 extends beyond simple system instability, as it represents a potential pathway for sophisticated attacks within the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation and execution domains. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could execute malicious code in a privileged context, effectively bypassing normal access controls and potentially gaining administrative privileges. The vulnerability's classification as a denial of service vector also means that adversaries could use it to disrupt legitimate system operations, causing service interruptions that could affect productivity and business continuity. This dual nature makes the vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors seeking both persistent access and system disruption capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate system updates to Apple OS X 10.11.5 or later versions, which contain patches specifically addressing the NULL pointer dereference issue. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive updates promptly, as the vulnerability's exploitation potential makes it a high-priority target for attackers. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for unusual system behavior or crashes that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly in environments where untrusted applications are executed. Network segmentation and application whitelisting policies can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, while regular security assessments should verify that systems remain protected against similar vulnerabilities in the graphics control subsystem.