CVE-2017-2410 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in certain Apple products. macOS before 10.12.4 is affected. The issue involves the "Kernel" component. It allows attackers to execute arbitrary code in a privileged context via a crafted app.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2410 represents a critical kernel-level security flaw affecting macOS versions prior to 10.12.4. This issue resides within the kernel component of Apple's operating system, which serves as the core foundation for system operations and security controls. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the kernel's code execution pathways, creating a potential attack vector that could be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorized privileged access to system resources. The flaw specifically manifests when the system processes crafted applications that contain malicious code designed to trigger the kernel's privilege escalation mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a kernel memory corruption issue that occurs during the processing of specially constructed applications. Attackers can craft malicious applications that, when executed, exploit the kernel's failure to properly validate input parameters or memory boundaries. This allows the malicious code to manipulate kernel memory structures and execute arbitrary instructions with the highest system privileges. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-119 which deals with improper restriction of operations within a memory buffer, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which focuses on exploit for privilege escalation. The kernel's privilege execution model becomes compromised when legitimate applications attempt to access kernel memory spaces through malformed input parameters, effectively bypassing the system's security boundaries.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-2410 extends beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally undermines the security model of macOS by enabling attackers to operate with elevated privileges. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows malicious actors to perform actions such as modifying system files, installing persistent backdoors, accessing encrypted data, and potentially exfiltrating sensitive information from the compromised system. The privilege escalation occurs at the kernel level, meaning that any application or process running with user privileges can potentially leverage this flaw to gain root access to the entire operating system. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where macOS systems may be running outdated versions, and for users who download applications from untrusted sources. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal user interaction beyond executing the malicious application, making it suitable for social engineering campaigns or supply chain attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-2410 primarily focus on immediate system updates and operational security measures. Apple addressed this vulnerability through the release of macOS 10.12.4, which includes kernel patches that properly validate input parameters and prevent the memory corruption that enables privilege escalation. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of this security update across all affected macOS systems, particularly those running versions earlier than 10.12.4. Additionally, system administrators should implement application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted applications, maintain regular security audits of system configurations, and employ endpoint protection solutions that can detect anomalous kernel behavior. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of keeping operating systems current with security patches, as it represents a fundamental flaw in the system's privilege management that could be exploited for extensive system compromise. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual kernel memory access patterns and privilege escalation attempts to identify potential exploitation of similar vulnerabilities.