CVE-2017-13890 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in certain Apple products. macOS before 10.13.4 is affected. macOS before 10.13 is affected. The issue involves the "CoreTypes" component. It allows remote attackers to trigger disk-image mounting via a crafted web site.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13890 represents a significant security flaw in Apple's macOS operating systems that affects versions prior to 10.13.4 and 10.13 respectively. This issue resides within the CoreTypes component of the macOS ecosystem, which serves as a fundamental framework for handling various data types and file operations. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the system's handling of disk image files, creating a potential attack vector that could be exploited through web-based interfaces.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a remote attacker crafts a malicious website that triggers automatic disk-image mounting behavior on affected systems. This flaw operates through the automatic mounting mechanism that macOS employs when encountering disk image files, particularly when these files are accessed through web browsers or other network-based applications. The CoreTypes component fails to properly validate the integrity and source of disk image files, allowing maliciously constructed image files to bypass normal security checks and execute mounting operations without proper user consent or verification.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a serious risk to macOS users as it enables remote code execution through seemingly benign web browsing activities. Attackers can leverage this weakness to deliver malicious payloads directly to user systems without requiring any additional user interaction beyond visiting a compromised website. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-170, which addresses improper handling of potentially dangerous input sequences, and demonstrates how inadequate input validation in system components can create persistent security risks. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it operates at the system level where user privileges are not required for exploitation, making it a critical threat to all macOS users regardless of their security awareness or technical expertise.
The attack pattern associated with CVE-2017-13890 follows the tactics outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the initial access category, specifically leveraging web-based attack vectors to gain system compromise. This vulnerability can be classified as a sandbox escape or privilege escalation vector since it allows attackers to bypass normal system protections and execute arbitrary code through legitimate system components. Organizations and individuals running affected macOS versions face significant exposure risks, particularly in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently visit compromised websites or where web-based attack surfaces are extensive. The remediation process requires immediate system updates to macOS 10.13.4 or later versions, as Apple released patches specifically addressing this CoreTypes component vulnerability. Security professionals should prioritize this vulnerability in their assessment protocols, as it represents a persistent threat that could enable more sophisticated attacks including data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, and lateral movement within compromised networks. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date system patches and implementing network-based security controls to prevent users from accessing potentially malicious websites that could exploit this and similar system-level weaknesses.