CVE-2017-7027 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in certain Apple products. iOS before 10.3.3 is affected. macOS before 10.12.6 is affected. tvOS before 10.2.2 is affected. watchOS before 3.2.3 is affected. The issue involves the "Kernel" component. It allows attackers to execute arbitrary code in a privileged context or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted app.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/05/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7027 represents a critical kernel-level flaw affecting multiple Apple operating systems including iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS. This security issue resides within the kernel component which serves as the core foundation of these operating systems, responsible for managing system resources and providing essential services to applications. The vulnerability manifests as a memory corruption issue that can be exploited by malicious actors to gain elevated privileges and execute arbitrary code within the kernel context. The affected versions demonstrate a fundamental weakness in the kernel's memory management and validation mechanisms, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate system behavior through carefully crafted applications.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-119, which describes weaknesses in memory management and buffer overflow conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The flaw specifically allows attackers to manipulate kernel memory structures through a malicious application, potentially enabling privilege escalation attacks that bypass normal security boundaries. When exploited, the vulnerability can result in either arbitrary code execution in a privileged context or cause a denial of service condition through memory corruption. This dual impact makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be used both for offensive operations and to disrupt system functionality. The kernel-level exploitation means that successful attacks can compromise the entire operating system, potentially leading to complete system takeover and data exfiltration.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-7027 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent footholds within affected systems. This vulnerability can be leveraged through the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the kernel as a high-value target for attackers seeking to maintain long-term access. The memory corruption aspect of the flaw can also be used to cause system instability, leading to denial of service conditions that can be particularly damaging in enterprise environments where system availability is critical. Organizations running affected versions of Apple operating systems face significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential system compromise, especially in environments where users may inadvertently install malicious applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve immediate deployment of Apple's security updates and patches, specifically iOS 10.3.3, macOS 10.12.6, tvOS 10.2.2, and watchOS 3.2.3. System administrators should prioritize patch management processes to ensure all affected devices receive updates promptly. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent installation of untrusted applications, monitoring for suspicious system behavior that may indicate exploitation attempts, and maintaining robust backup and recovery procedures. The vulnerability's kernel-level nature means that traditional endpoint protection solutions may not provide sufficient defense, requiring a layered approach that includes network monitoring, system integrity checking, and regular security assessments to detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing device management solutions that can enforce security policies and automatically apply security updates across enterprise device fleets.