CVE-2017-7070 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in certain Apple products. macOS before 10.12.4 is affected. The issue involves the "Kernel" component. It allows physically proximate attackers to bypass the screen-locking protection mechanism that should have been in place upon closing the lid.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7070 represents a critical security flaw in Apple's macOS operating system affecting versions prior to 10.12.4. This weakness resides within the kernel component of the operating system and specifically targets the screen-locking protection mechanism that should activate when users close their laptop lids. The vulnerability exploits a fundamental security control that is essential for protecting user data and system integrity when devices are not in active use.
The technical implementation of this flaw allows attackers who are physically present near a target device to bypass the expected screen-locking behavior that normally occurs when a laptop lid is closed. This typically occurs when a user closes their laptop lid and expects the system to lock the screen, requiring authentication to access the system upon reopening. The kernel-level vulnerability undermines this core security feature, potentially exposing sensitive data, applications, and system resources to unauthorized access without proper authentication.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for users in environments where physical proximity to devices is possible, such as offices, public spaces, or shared work environments. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal sophistication and can be executed by anyone who has physical access to a vulnerable device. This type of vulnerability aligns with attack patterns described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the 'Physical Access' tactic, where adversaries exploit the absence of proper security controls when devices are not actively in use.
The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access as it represents a failure in the operating system's fundamental security architecture. When screen-locking mechanisms are bypassed, users may unknowingly leave their systems in accessible states, potentially exposing confidential information, personal data, business secrets, or system credentials. The flaw essentially undermines the security boundary that should exist between active user sessions and protected system states, creating a persistent risk for all users of affected macOS versions.
Security researchers have classified this vulnerability as a kernel-level weakness that affects the core operating system protection mechanisms. The issue demonstrates how seemingly simple security controls can become critical points of failure when implemented incorrectly or when underlying system components contain exploitable flaws. Organizations implementing macOS systems should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader security posture assessment, particularly in environments where physical security controls are inadequate or where sensitive data processing occurs. The remediation approach requires immediate deployment of macOS 10.12.4 updates to address the kernel-level vulnerability and restore proper screen-locking behavior upon lid closure. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining current security patches and the potential consequences of delaying software updates in enterprise environments. The flaw's classification under CWE-284 indicates improper access control at the kernel level, emphasizing the need for robust privilege separation and access validation mechanisms in operating system design.