CVE-2017-13910 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 12/23/2021
An access issue was addressed with additional sandbox restrictions on applications. This issue is fixed in macOS High Sierra 10.13. An application may be able to access restricted files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13910 represents a sandbox escape flaw in macOS High Sierra versions prior to 10.13, where applications could potentially access restricted files that should normally be protected by the system's sandboxing mechanisms. This issue stems from insufficient enforcement of sandbox restrictions that are designed to isolate applications from sensitive system resources and user data. The flaw allows malicious or improperly configured applications to bypass the security boundaries that typically prevent them from accessing restricted file systems, user directories, or system configuration files.
This access issue manifests through the weakening of sandbox restrictions that are fundamental to macOS security architecture. The sandboxing mechanism in macOS is designed to limit what applications can access on the system, preventing them from reading or writing to files outside their designated sandbox boundaries. When these restrictions are inadequate or bypassed, applications can traverse the normal security boundaries and gain access to sensitive information or system resources that should remain protected. The vulnerability specifically affects applications that are not properly constrained by the sandboxing policies, allowing them to escalate their privileges or access restricted file systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-13910 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it represents a potential pathway for privilege escalation and data exfiltration. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to access user documents, system configuration files, or sensitive data stored in restricted directories. The vulnerability may enable applications to read system logs, access user credentials, or manipulate system files that could lead to further compromise of the affected system. Additionally, the flaw could allow for persistence mechanisms or the installation of malicious software that operates outside the normal security boundaries of the application sandbox.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-250, which describes "Execute Code with Unusual or Unexpected Privileges" and represents a sandboxing failure that allows applications to operate with elevated privileges or access restricted resources. The issue also maps to ATT&CK technique T1055, which covers "Process Injection" and related techniques where applications can escape their intended execution boundaries. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining strict sandbox boundaries and proper privilege management in operating system security models. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management strategies to ensure all macOS systems are updated to version 10.13 or later, where the sandbox restrictions have been properly enforced. Security teams should also conduct regular audits of application permissions and monitor for unusual file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.
The fix implemented in macOS High Sierra 10.13 addresses the underlying sandbox enforcement mechanisms by strengthening the restrictions on application access to restricted file systems. This update ensures that applications cannot bypass the normal security boundaries that protect system integrity and user privacy. The remediation process requires system administrators to deploy the latest macOS updates across all affected endpoints, particularly in enterprise environments where multiple macOS devices may be vulnerable to similar sandbox escape techniques. Organizations should also review their application deployment policies to ensure that only trusted applications with proper sandbox permissions are installed and executed on their systems, reducing the attack surface available to potential exploit scenarios.