CVE-2017-13817 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE
An out-of-bounds read issue was discovered in certain Apple products. macOS before 10.13.1 is affected. The issue involves the "Kernel" component. It allows local users to bypass intended memory-read restrictions.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13817 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the kernel component of Apple's operating systems. This issue affects macOS versions prior to 10.13.1, creating a significant security risk that could be exploited by local attackers to circumvent memory protection mechanisms. The kernel serves as the core operating system component responsible for system resource management and memory allocation, making any vulnerability within this domain particularly dangerous as it directly impacts the fundamental security architecture of the system.
The technical nature of this flaw involves an improper bounds checking mechanism within the kernel's memory handling routines. When processing certain memory operations, the kernel fails to validate array indices or buffer boundaries before attempting to read data from memory locations. This allows a local attacker to craft malicious input or manipulate system calls in such a way that memory reads extend beyond allocated buffer limits. The vulnerability specifically targets the kernel's memory management subsystem, which is responsible for enforcing memory access restrictions and maintaining system integrity.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables local users to bypass intended memory-read restrictions that are fundamental to operating system security. The ability to perform out-of-bounds memory reads can potentially allow attackers to access sensitive kernel memory regions, extract confidential information, or even gain elevated privileges within the system. This type of vulnerability can be particularly dangerous when combined with other exploits, as it may provide attackers with the capability to read kernel memory contents that should remain protected from user-space access. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it fundamentally undermines the memory protection mechanisms that form the basis of modern operating system security models.
The security implications of CVE-2017-13817 align with CWE-129, which specifically addresses improper validation of array indices, and can be categorized under the ATT&CK technique T1068 for "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation." This vulnerability demonstrates how kernel-level flaws can be exploited to bypass security controls that are designed to prevent unauthorized memory access. The issue represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation in critical system components can create pathways for privilege escalation and information disclosure attacks. Organizations should immediately apply the macOS 10.13.1 update or later versions to remediate this vulnerability, as the kernel-level nature of the flaw makes it particularly challenging to exploit in a controlled manner once patched.
This vulnerability type falls under the broader category of memory safety issues that have been increasingly targeted in recent years, with similar flaws documented in various operating system kernels. The out-of-bounds read condition creates a pathway for attackers to potentially access memory locations containing sensitive data such as encryption keys, user credentials, or system configuration information. The local nature of the exploit means that no network connectivity is required for exploitation, making it particularly concerning for environments where local access is possible or where privilege escalation attacks are being conducted. The remediation process involves updating to the patched macOS version, which includes proper bounds checking mechanisms that prevent the kernel from reading beyond allocated memory boundaries.