CVE-2017-7028 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 bypass intended memory-read restrictions via a crafted app.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/05/2021
This vulnerability resides within the kernel component of Apple's operating systems, representing a critical memory protection flaw that undermines the fundamental security architecture of iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS platforms. The vulnerability specifically targets the kernel's memory management subsystem, where attackers can craft malicious applications to circumvent established memory-read restrictions that are designed to prevent unauthorized access to protected system resources. This weakness allows malicious actors to execute code that would normally be restricted, effectively bypassing the kernel's memory protection mechanisms that are essential for maintaining system integrity and preventing privilege escalation attacks.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-119, which describes weaknesses related to memory safety and improper access to memory resources. This flaw enables attackers to manipulate kernel memory access controls through carefully constructed applications that exploit the underlying kernel implementation. The vulnerability affects multiple Apple platforms simultaneously, indicating a systemic issue within the kernel architecture rather than isolated platform-specific problems. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to memory regions that should remain protected, potentially allowing them to read sensitive data, execute arbitrary code, or manipulate system processes beyond normal operational boundaries.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-7028 is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with a pathway to bypass core kernel security features that are designed to protect against malicious software. This vulnerability can be exploited through seemingly legitimate applications, making detection and prevention particularly challenging for end users and security administrators. The affected versions represent widely deployed operating systems across multiple device types, amplifying the potential attack surface and the number of vulnerable targets. Once exploited, this vulnerability can enable full system compromise, allowing attackers to escalate privileges and access sensitive system resources that are typically protected from unauthorized access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate deployment of Apple's security updates, specifically iOS 10.3.3, macOS 10.12.6, tvOS 10.2.2, and watchOS 3.2.3, which contain patches addressing the kernel memory protection flaw. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected devices receive updates promptly, as the vulnerability represents a persistent risk to system security. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to malicious applications that may attempt to exploit this vulnerability, while also reviewing application security policies to prevent installation of untrusted software. The remediation process should include verification of patch installation through system integrity checks and continuous monitoring for any signs of exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability's nature makes it particularly dangerous for both individual users and enterprise environments that rely on Apple's platform security models.