CVE-2016-1810 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
The Graphics Drivers subsystem in Apple OS X before 10.11.5 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 • 11/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1810 resides within the Graphics Drivers subsystem of Apple's operating system, specifically affecting versions prior to macOS 10.11.5. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that enables attackers to escalate privileges and execute malicious code within the kernel context, fundamentally compromising system integrity. The issue manifests through a crafted application that exploits memory corruption vulnerabilities inherent in how the graphics driver processes certain inputs, creating a pathway for unauthorized privilege escalation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory handling within the graphics driver component, which fails to properly validate input parameters when processing graphics-related commands. This memory corruption occurs during the execution of graphics operations that are typically handled in kernel space, where the privilege levels are elevated and system-level access is granted. The flaw allows an attacker to manipulate memory structures in ways that should not be possible, effectively breaking the security boundaries between user-space applications and kernel-space operations. This type of vulnerability is classified as a memory corruption issue that can be leveraged for privilege escalation, aligning with CWE-125 for out-of-bounds read conditions and CWE-787 for out-of-bounds write conditions.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-1810 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can result in complete system compromise when exploited. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, potentially leading to full system control, data exfiltration, or persistent backdoor installation. The vulnerability's exploitability is particularly concerning because it requires no user interaction beyond running a malicious application, making it highly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios. Systems running affected versions of macOS become susceptible to sophisticated attacks that bypass traditional security controls, as the exploitation occurs at the kernel level where most security mechanisms are ineffective. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 for locally executed commands and privilege escalation, representing a significant threat vector for advanced persistent threats.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-1810 primarily focus on immediate system updates and patch management, with Apple releasing macOS 10.11.5 to address the specific memory corruption issues within the graphics driver subsystem. Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems and implement monitoring for suspicious application execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additional defensive measures include restricting application execution through code signing enforcement, implementing kernel extension restrictions, and deploying endpoint protection solutions that can detect anomalous graphics driver behavior. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring for unusual privilege escalation activities that could indicate successful exploitation of this vulnerability. The remediation process requires careful consideration of compatibility issues with legacy applications that might rely on the vulnerable graphics driver behavior, necessitating thorough testing before applying patches to production environments.