CVE-2016-4716 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE
diskutil in DiskArbitration in Apple OS X before 10.12 allows local users to gain privileges via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/20/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-4716 affects the diskutil utility within the DiskArbitration framework of Apple macOS versions prior to 10.12. This represents a privilege escalation vulnerability that enables local attackers to elevate their system privileges through unspecified attack vectors. The DiskArbitration framework is responsible for managing disk arbitration and device management operations within the macOS operating system, making it a critical component for system security and stability. The flaw exists within the diskutil utility which is commonly used for disk management operations including disk partitioning, formatting, and volume management tasks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper privilege handling within the diskutil utility's interaction with the DiskArbitration framework. Attackers can exploit this weakness to manipulate system processes that should normally require administrative privileges, thereby bypassing standard security controls. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests multiple potential exploitation paths within the diskutil utility's code execution flow or its interaction with system resources. This type of vulnerability typically involves improper input validation, insufficient privilege checks, or flawed access control mechanisms that allow unprivileged users to execute privileged operations. The vulnerability falls under the category of privilege escalation flaws that can be categorized as CWE-269 Improper Privilege Management or CWE-732 Incorrect Permission Assignment.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-4716 is significant as it allows local users to gain elevated privileges without requiring authentication or administrative access. This creates a persistent security risk where any user with access to the system can potentially escalate their privileges to root level access. The vulnerability affects the fundamental security model of macOS by undermining the principle of least privilege and allowing unauthorized privilege elevation. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to install malicious software, modify system files, access sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors. The impact extends beyond immediate privilege escalation as it can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks within the system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-4716 primarily involve updating to macOS version 10.12 or later where Apple has addressed the privilege escalation vulnerability. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all macOS systems are updated promptly. Additional defensive measures include monitoring system logs for unauthorized diskutil usage, implementing discretionary access controls, and maintaining regular security assessments of system components. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of privilege separation and proper access control mechanisms within system utilities, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1068 for privilege escalation through local system exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing security controls such as system integrity protection and code signing enforcement to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.