CVE-2016-4633 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Intel Graphics Driver in Apple OS X before 10.11.6 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 • 09/06/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-4633 represents a critical security flaw within the Intel Graphics Driver component of Apple's macOS operating system. This issue affects versions prior to macOS 10.11.6 and stems from improper memory handling within the graphics driver subsystem. The flaw enables attackers to escalate privileges and execute malicious code with elevated system permissions, fundamentally compromising the integrity of the affected platform. The vulnerability manifests through crafted applications that exploit memory corruption weaknesses in the graphics processing pipeline, creating a pathway for unauthorized code execution.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-119, which describes weaknesses related to improper handling of memory resources, particularly memory corruption issues. The Intel Graphics Driver in macOS implements a complex software stack that interfaces between the operating system and hardware graphics processing units, creating multiple potential attack vectors. When a malicious application is executed, it can manipulate memory structures within the graphics driver's memory space, leading to arbitrary code execution in kernel mode. This privilege escalation occurs because the graphics driver operates with elevated permissions to manage hardware resources, making it a prime target for attackers seeking system-level access.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-4633 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system instability and complete compromise of affected systems. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or establish footholds for further exploitation within network environments. The memory corruption aspect of this vulnerability also creates opportunities for denial of service attacks, where system stability may be compromised through controlled memory manipulation. This dual nature of the vulnerability makes it particularly dangerous as it can be used both for system takeover and for creating persistent threats that evade traditional security measures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-4633 primarily focus on immediate system updates and patch management. Apple addressed this vulnerability in macOS 10.11.6 through driver updates that corrected memory handling procedures and implemented additional input validation. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected systems to the patched versions immediately, as the vulnerability remains exploitable in older releases. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting policies, monitoring for suspicious graphics driver activity, and maintaining comprehensive system monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the use of software vulnerabilities to gain elevated system privileges. System administrators should also consider network segmentation and endpoint protection solutions to limit the potential lateral movement of attackers who may have successfully exploited this vulnerability.