CVE-2017-7082 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in certain Apple products. macOS before 10.13 is affected. The issue involves the "Screen Lock" component. It allows physically proximate attackers to read Application Firewall prompts.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7082 represents a significant security flaw in Apple's macOS operating system affecting versions prior to 10.13. This weakness resides within the Screen Lock component of the system, specifically undermining the integrity of the Application Firewall's user interface. The flaw enables attackers who are physically present near an affected device to bypass normal security prompts and gain unauthorized access to firewall notifications that would typically require user interaction to acknowledge or modify. This vulnerability directly impacts the fundamental security model of macOS by weakening the barrier between user consent and system security controls. The issue falls under the category of insufficient authentication or authorization mechanisms, as defined by CWE-287, where the system fails to properly verify user identity before allowing access to critical security prompts.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through physical proximity attacks that leverage the screen lock mechanism's failure to properly secure Application Firewall prompts. Attackers can observe and potentially manipulate firewall notifications that appear on the screen without requiring proper authentication or user interaction. This weakness is particularly concerning because it operates at the user interface level, where security decisions are typically expected to be protected from casual observation or interference. The vulnerability demonstrates a failure in the principle of least privilege and proper access control implementation, as the system does not adequately protect sensitive security prompts from unauthorized viewing. From an operational perspective, this flaw significantly weakens the overall security posture of affected systems by allowing attackers to bypass the normal security decision-making process that should require explicit user consent.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it fundamentally undermines the Application Firewall's effectiveness in protecting the system from unauthorized network connections. An attacker who can read these prompts gains insight into the firewall's current configuration and can potentially manipulate security decisions by observing or interfering with the prompt display. This creates opportunities for more sophisticated attacks where the attacker can use the observed firewall behavior to plan further exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also represents a failure in the security architecture's defense-in-depth principles, as the screen lock mechanism should provide a sufficient barrier to prevent casual observation of security prompts. Organizations running affected macOS versions face increased risk of unauthorized network access and potential data breaches, as this vulnerability allows attackers to gain information about the system's security configuration without requiring advanced technical skills or remote access capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-7082 focus primarily on updating to macOS 10.13 or later versions where Apple has addressed this specific vulnerability through improved screen lock mechanisms. System administrators should implement immediate patch management procedures to ensure all affected devices receive the necessary security updates. Additional protective measures include implementing physical security controls to prevent unauthorized access to devices, such as secure workstations and restricted access areas. Organizations should also review their network security policies to ensure that even if an attacker can observe firewall prompts, they cannot use this information to compromise overall system security. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper screen lock implementation and user interface security design, as outlined in various security frameworks including those referenced in the ATT&CK framework under the credential access and defense evasion techniques. Regular security assessments should include evaluation of screen lock mechanisms and user interface security controls to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other system components.