CVE-2017-7067 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in certain Apple products. macOS before 10.12.6 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
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7067 represents a critical kernel-level flaw in Apple's macOS operating system affecting versions prior to 10.12.6. This security weakness resides within the kernel component which serves as the core of the operating system's memory management and access control mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically targets the kernel's memory read restrictions that are designed to prevent unauthorized access to protected memory regions and system resources. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting malicious applications that manipulate kernel memory access controls, effectively circumventing the intended security boundaries that separate user-space applications from kernel-space operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of memory access permissions within the kernel's memory management subsystem. When a crafted application attempts to read memory locations that should be restricted, the kernel fails to properly enforce access controls, allowing unauthorized memory reads to occur. This flaw operates at the privilege level where kernel code executes, making it particularly dangerous as it can enable attackers to access sensitive system data, kernel memory structures, and potentially extract confidential information that should remain protected. The vulnerability falls under the category of privilege escalation and memory corruption issues, with direct implications for the operating system's core security model.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-7067 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to bypass fundamental security mechanisms that protect system integrity. An attacker with a malicious application could potentially access kernel memory, extract system credentials, manipulate kernel data structures, or even gain elevated privileges within the operating system. This vulnerability directly undermines the memory protection mechanisms that are essential for maintaining system security boundaries between user applications and the kernel. The flaw can be exploited without requiring physical access to the device or elevated user privileges, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where macOS systems are deployed. The vulnerability's exploitation could lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data stored on affected systems.
Security mitigations for CVE-2017-7067 primarily involve upgrading to macOS version 10.12.6 or later, which includes kernel patches that address the memory access control bypass issue. System administrators should prioritize immediate deployment of this security update across all affected macOS devices within their organization. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for suspicious kernel activity can provide additional layers of defense. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1055 which covers process injection and privilege escalation techniques, and corresponds to CWE-284 which addresses improper access control in software systems. Organizations should also conduct security assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and ensure that all macOS systems maintain current security patches to prevent unauthorized access through kernel-level vulnerabilities.