CVE-2016-1812 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Intel Graphics Driver in Apple OS X before 10.11.5 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code in a privileged context via a crafted app.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1812 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Intel Graphics Drivers integrated into Apple's macOS operating system. This issue affects versions prior to macOS 10.11.5, creating a significant security risk that could be exploited by malicious actors to gain elevated privileges and execute arbitrary code. The flaw exists within the graphics driver component responsible for handling graphics processing tasks, making it particularly dangerous as graphics operations are frequently performed by both system processes and user applications.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the Intel Graphics Driver implementation. When a crafted application attempts to process graphics data through the vulnerable driver, the buffer overflow occurs due to insufficient bounds checking mechanisms. This allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical system structures or injecting malicious code that executes with the privileges of the graphics driver itself. The vulnerability specifically targets the graphics processing pipeline where user-supplied data is processed without proper sanitization, creating a pathway for privilege escalation attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-1812 extends beyond simple code execution, as it enables attackers to achieve persistent access to compromised systems. Since the vulnerability operates within a privileged context, successful exploitation could allow adversaries to bypass standard security controls and establish backdoors or additional attack vectors. The graphics driver component typically runs with elevated privileges to ensure proper hardware functionality, making this a prime target for attackers seeking to escalate their privileges. This vulnerability essentially provides a gateway for attackers to move laterally within the system or maintain persistent access without requiring additional exploitation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates to macOS 10.11.5 or later versions where Apple has implemented proper bounds checking and memory management controls within the graphics driver. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems and monitor for any suspicious activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic privilege escalation vector that could be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation'. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for unusual graphics processing activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs, as the vulnerability requires a crafted application to be executed on the target system.