CVE-2016-1862 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Intel Graphics Driver in Apple OS X before 10.11.5 allows attackers to obtain sensitive kernel memory-layout information via a crafted app, a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-1860.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/31/2019
This vulnerability resides in the Intel Graphics Driver component of Apple's macOS operating system, specifically affecting versions prior to 10.11.5. The flaw represents a information disclosure issue that enables malicious applications to extract sensitive kernel memory layout details through carefully crafted software constructs. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level, making it particularly dangerous as it can potentially expose critical system architecture information that adversaries could leverage for more sophisticated attacks.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves improper handling of memory layout information within the graphics driver's kernel extension. When a crafted application executes, it can trigger memory access patterns that reveal organizational details of kernel memory structures. This occurs due to insufficient input validation and memory management controls within the graphics driver's codebase. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200, which deals with information exposure, and specifically relates to improper information protection mechanisms within kernel space components. The flaw demonstrates a classic case of insufficient access control and memory protection boundaries within operating system drivers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with crucial architectural knowledge that can be used in conjunction with other exploits. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability gains insight into kernel memory organization, which can significantly aid in developing more effective kernel exploits, bypassing memory protection mechanisms, or crafting targeted attacks against other system components. The exposure of memory layout information can facilitate techniques such as stack smashing, heap spraying, or other advanced exploitation methods that rely on knowing the system's memory organization. This vulnerability particularly affects the security posture of macOS systems by weakening the kernel's memory protection capabilities and potentially enabling more sophisticated attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability focus primarily on updating to Apple macOS 10.11.5 or later versions where the issue has been addressed through proper memory management controls and input validation. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all macOS systems receive the necessary security updates. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing runtime monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous memory access patterns indicative of exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date graphics drivers and kernel extensions, as these components often represent attack surfaces that require specialized security attention. Security professionals should also consider the broader implications of driver-level vulnerabilities and implement network segmentation or application whitelisting policies to limit the potential impact of such information disclosure attacks. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for robust kernel memory protection mechanisms and proper input validation in system drivers, aligning with ATT&CK techniques that focus on privilege escalation and defense evasion through kernel-level exploitation methods.