CVE-2016-4652 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
CoreGraphics in Apple OS X before 10.11.6 allows local users to obtain sensitive information from kernel memory and consequently gain privileges, or cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read), via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-4652 resides within Apple's CoreGraphics framework, a critical component of the operating system that handles graphics rendering and image processing operations. This flaw affects Apple OS X versions prior to 10.11.6, representing a significant security weakness that could be exploited by local attackers to compromise system integrity. The vulnerability manifests through unspecified vectors that allow malicious actors to access kernel memory regions that should remain protected from user-space applications, creating a pathway for privilege escalation and information disclosure.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves an out-of-bounds read condition that occurs within the CoreGraphics subsystem when processing certain graphics operations or image data. This type of flaw typically arises when the system fails to properly validate input parameters or buffer boundaries during graphics processing operations, allowing an attacker to read memory locations beyond the intended data structures. The out-of-bounds read enables attackers to extract sensitive information from kernel memory spaces, potentially including cryptographic keys, credential data, or other confidential system information that should remain isolated from user processes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides local attackers with the capability to escalate privileges and gain elevated system access. This privilege escalation occurs because the leaked kernel memory information can be leveraged to bypass security mechanisms, potentially revealing stack canaries, kernel function addresses, or other protective elements that are essential for maintaining system security boundaries. Additionally, the vulnerability can be exploited to cause denial of service conditions by triggering memory corruption that may result in system crashes or unstable behavior, effectively rendering the affected system unusable.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and represents a classic example of how graphics processing components can introduce security risks when not properly hardened against malicious input. The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly concerning as CoreGraphics is extensively used throughout the operating system for rendering user interfaces, displaying images, and processing graphics content, making it a frequent target for exploitation. According to ATT&CK framework methodology, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques through memory corruption and information disclosure, representing a critical weakness in the operating system's kernel security model that could enable attackers to establish persistent access to compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates to Apple OS X 10.11.6 or later versions, which contain patches addressing the core graphics processing flaw. System administrators should prioritize deployment of these security updates across all affected systems, particularly in enterprise environments where local privilege escalation could provide attackers with access to sensitive corporate data. Additional protective measures include implementing proper access controls, monitoring for unusual graphics processing activities, and maintaining regular security assessments to identify potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider network segmentation and privilege separation techniques to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while ensuring that all system components are regularly updated to address similar vulnerabilities in the broader software ecosystem.