CVE-2016-7602 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in certain Apple products. macOS before 10.12.2 is affected. The issue involves the "Intel Graphics Driver" component. It allows attackers to execute arbitrary code in a privileged context or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted app.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-7602 represents a critical security flaw within Apple's macOS operating system affecting versions prior to 10.12.2. This issue specifically targets the Intel Graphics Driver component, which serves as a fundamental interface between the operating system and graphics hardware. The vulnerability stems from improper memory handling within the graphics driver implementation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's graphics processing capabilities. The flaw manifests as a memory corruption vulnerability that can be triggered through seemingly benign applications, making it particularly dangerous as it requires minimal user interaction to exploit. Security researchers have classified this issue under CWE-121, which encompasses buffer overflow conditions, and it aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.003 for execution through legitimate system processes.
The technical nature of this vulnerability allows attackers to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code with elevated system permissions. When a malicious application is launched, it can manipulate the graphics driver's memory management routines to cause unintended code execution within the kernel space. This privilege escalation capability enables attackers to bypass standard security boundaries and gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. The memory corruption aspect of the vulnerability can also lead to system instability, potentially causing denial of service conditions where the graphics driver crashes or the entire system becomes unresponsive. The exploitation requires no special user privileges initially, as the vulnerability exists within the legitimate graphics driver functionality that operates with elevated permissions by design.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-7602 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to install malware, modify system files, or establish persistent backdoors within the macOS environment. The graphics driver's privileged execution context makes this particularly concerning because it operates at a level that typically requires system-level access, yet can be triggered through user-level applications. Organizations running affected macOS versions face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their networks. The vulnerability's stealthy nature means that detection can be challenging, as malicious activity may appear to be normal graphics processing behavior.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-7602 primarily focus on immediate system updates and operational security measures. Apple released macOS 10.12.2 to address this vulnerability, which includes patches to the Intel Graphics Driver component that correct the memory handling flaws. System administrators should prioritize updating affected systems to the latest macOS versions, as this represents the most effective remediation approach. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict potentially malicious applications, monitoring system logs for unusual graphics driver activity, and conducting regular security assessments of macOS environments. Network segmentation and endpoint detection systems can help identify exploitation attempts, while security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to graphics driver anomalies. The vulnerability's classification as a privilege escalation issue also emphasizes the importance of maintaining least privilege principles and implementing comprehensive system hardening measures to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.