CVE-2017-2426 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in certain Apple products. macOS before 10.12.4 is affected. The issue involves the "iBooks" component. It allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information from local files via a file: URL in an iBooks file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2426 represents a significant security flaw within Apple's iBooks component affecting macOS versions prior to 10.12.4. This issue stems from improper handling of file:// URLs within iBooks files, creating an avenue for remote attackers to access sensitive local file information. The vulnerability specifically targets the way iBooks processes external file references, allowing malicious actors to exploit this behavior to retrieve unauthorized data from the local system. The flaw exists in the application's URL parsing and file access mechanisms, which fail to properly validate or sanitize file:// scheme references embedded within iBooks documents. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of information disclosure, where unauthorized parties can gain access to data that should remain protected within the local file system. The security implications are particularly concerning given that iBooks is a commonly used application for reading digital books and documents, making it a frequent target for exploitation attempts.
The technical execution of this vulnerability relies on the manipulation of iBooks files to include malicious file:// URLs that point to sensitive local resources. When an attacker crafts a specially formatted iBooks file containing these URLs, the application's failure to properly validate the references allows it to traverse the local file system and potentially expose confidential information. This type of flaw demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and proper access control mechanisms, where the application trusts the content of external files without sufficient sanitization. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including phishing emails, malicious websites, or compromised documents distributed through legitimate channels. The underlying technical issue involves the application's failure to implement proper sandboxing controls and URL validation, allowing the iBooks component to access files outside of its intended scope. This behavior violates fundamental security principles and creates an attack surface that could be leveraged to extract sensitive data from system directories, user documents, or other protected resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-2426 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a potential pathway for more sophisticated attacks within a compromised system. Attackers could use this vulnerability to gather intelligence about the target system, identify user data locations, or extract specific files that could aid in further exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not need physical access to the device, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently open malicious iBooks files. The affected macOS versions prior to 10.12.4 represent a significant user base that would be vulnerable to this attack vector, especially in corporate settings where iBooks is commonly used for document sharing and reading. Organizations relying on Apple devices for business operations face increased risk of data breaches, intellectual property theft, or targeted attacks that could compromise sensitive corporate information. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill, making it accessible to threat actors across different skill levels and potentially leading to widespread compromise of affected systems.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations to protect against exploitation of CVE-2017-2426, including mandatory system updates to macOS 10.12.4 or later versions where the vulnerability has been addressed. Security administrators should also consider implementing network-level controls to block potentially malicious iBooks files, particularly those originating from untrusted sources or containing suspicious file:// URL references. The remediation process must include comprehensive testing to ensure that updates do not disrupt legitimate business operations while maintaining security posture. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of verifying the source of iBooks files and avoiding opening documents from unknown or untrusted parties. System administrators should monitor for signs of exploitation attempts and implement appropriate logging and alerting mechanisms to detect potential abuse of this vulnerability. The fix implemented by Apple addresses the core issue through improved validation of file:// URLs within iBooks documents, ensuring that the application properly sanitizes and controls access to local file resources. This vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current system patches and implementing robust security controls for all applications, particularly those handling external content or file references. The security community should view this as a reminder of the critical need for proper input validation and access control mechanisms in all software components, aligning with established security frameworks such as those referenced in CWE categories related to information disclosure and improper input validation.