CVE-2017-2429 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in certain Apple products. macOS before 10.12.4 is affected. The issue involves the "FinderKit" component. It allows remote attackers to bypass intended access restrictions in opportunistic circumstances by leveraging unexpected permission changes during an iCloud Sharing Send Link action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2429 represents a significant security flaw within Apple's macOS ecosystem, specifically affecting versions prior to 10.12.4. This issue resides within the FinderKit component, which serves as a foundational element for file management operations within the operating system. The flaw manifests during iCloud sharing interactions, creating a potential pathway for unauthorized access that undermines the intended security boundaries of file sharing mechanisms.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper permission handling during iCloud sharing operations, particularly when users attempt to send sharing links through the Finder application. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating the timing and sequence of permission changes that occur during the sharing process, effectively bypassing the normal access control restrictions that should prevent unauthorized users from accessing shared files. This vulnerability operates under the principle of privilege escalation through opportunistic exploitation, where attackers leverage the transient nature of permission states to gain unauthorized access.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-2429 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in the security model of iCloud sharing functionality. When exploited, this vulnerability allows remote attackers to access files that should remain restricted, potentially compromising sensitive data that users believe is protected through proper sharing controls. The opportunistic nature of the attack means that successful exploitation depends on specific timing conditions and user actions, making detection and prevention particularly challenging for system administrators and security professionals.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems, and demonstrates how seemingly minor permission handling flaws can create significant security risks. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access, as attackers can leverage the flaw to gain unauthorized access to resources they should not be able to reach. The issue particularly affects the T1078 credential access technique, where adversaries use legitimate credentials and privileges to gain access to resources.
The remediation for this vulnerability requires immediate deployment of macOS updates to version 10.12.4 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the permission handling issues within FinderKit. System administrators should prioritize this update across all affected systems and verify that the patch has been successfully applied. Additionally, organizations should implement monitoring for unusual iCloud sharing activities and consider reviewing existing sharing permissions to ensure that no unauthorized access has occurred. The fix addresses the root cause by implementing proper permission validation and ensuring that access controls remain consistent throughout the sharing process, preventing the exploitation window that previously existed during the transition states of file sharing operations.