CVE-2016-4710 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE
WindowServer in Apple OS X before 10.12 allows local users to obtain root access via vectors that leverage "type confusion," a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-4709.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/21/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-4710 represents a critical type confusion flaw within Apple's WindowServer component of macOS versions prior to 10.12. This issue resides in the core graphical subsystem responsible for managing window operations and user interface elements across the operating system. The vulnerability specifically affects the WindowServer process which handles all graphics rendering and window management functions, making it a prime target for privilege escalation attacks. Type confusion vulnerabilities occur when a program incorrectly handles data types, leading to unpredictable behavior that can be exploited by malicious actors to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper type validation within WindowServer's memory management routines. When processing certain graphical operations or user input, the system fails to properly validate the expected data types, allowing attackers to manipulate memory structures through crafted inputs. This type confusion enables an attacker to corrupt memory layouts and potentially overwrite critical function pointers or control structures, ultimately providing a pathway to achieve root privileges. The flaw operates at the kernel level within the graphics subsystem, making it particularly dangerous as it bypasses standard user-space security boundaries and can be exploited by local users without requiring network access or additional attack vectors.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to macOS systems as it allows local attackers to escalate their privileges from standard user accounts to root access without requiring any specialized tools or network-based exploitation. The attack surface is broad since WindowServer is continuously running and processes numerous graphical operations from various applications and system components. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-471, which describes type confusion in software implementations, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers privilege escalation through local exploits. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond individual system compromise as it can be leveraged to establish persistent access, escalate privileges for further exploitation, or deploy additional malicious payloads within the compromised environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-4710 primarily involve upgrading to macOS 10.12 or later versions where Apple has implemented proper type validation and memory management fixes. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems immediately, particularly in enterprise environments where multiple users may have local access to target machines. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict user access controls, monitoring for unusual WindowServer processes or memory access patterns, and employing runtime protection mechanisms that can detect and prevent type confusion attacks. Organizations should also conduct vulnerability assessments to identify systems running older macOS versions and ensure comprehensive patch management processes are in place to prevent similar vulnerabilities from remaining unaddressed in the future.