CVE-2017-13868 in watchOS
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in certain Apple products. iOS before 11.2 is affected. macOS before 10.13.2 is affected. tvOS before 11.2 is affected. watchOS before 4.2 is affected. The issue involves the "Kernel" component. It allows attackers to bypass intended memory-read restrictions via a crafted app.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical kernel-level memory protection flaw that affects multiple Apple operating systems including iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS. The issue resides within the kernel component which serves as the core operating system layer responsible for memory management and access control. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious applications that manipulate kernel memory access controls, effectively bypassing intended read restrictions that normally protect system integrity and user data.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of memory access permissions within the kernel's memory management subsystem. When a crafted application is executed, it can manipulate kernel data structures or memory mapping mechanisms to gain unauthorized read access to protected memory regions that should normally be restricted to system processes only. This type of flaw falls under the category of kernel privilege escalation vulnerabilities where user-space applications can achieve kernel-level privileges through improper access control enforcement. The vulnerability specifically targets the kernel's memory protection mechanisms, which are fundamental to operating system security and are designed to prevent unauthorized access to critical system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with the capability to access sensitive kernel memory areas that contain critical system information, user credentials, and protected data. This could enable attackers to extract confidential information, modify system behavior, or establish persistent access to affected devices. The vulnerability affects all versions prior to the specified security updates, meaning that users running outdated systems remain exposed to potential exploitation. The impact extends beyond individual device security to potentially compromise entire user ecosystems, especially considering that affected devices may be connected to corporate networks or handle sensitive personal information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates to the patched versions including iOS 11.2, macOS 10.13.2, tvOS 11.2, and watchOS 4.2. Apple typically addresses such kernel-level vulnerabilities through comprehensive security patches that correct memory access control validation mechanisms. Organizations should implement mandatory update policies and verify that all affected devices receive the appropriate security updates. Additionally, security monitoring should focus on identifying potentially malicious applications that might attempt to exploit this vulnerability. This type of vulnerability aligns with attack patterns described in the attack tree framework where kernel-level privilege escalation represents a high-value target for attackers seeking persistent access to systems. The vulnerability also relates to CWE-284 which describes improper access control in software systems, specifically targeting memory protection mechanisms within operating system kernels.