CVE-2017-7170 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in certain Apple products. macOS before 10.13.1 is affected. The issue involves the "Security" component. It allows attackers to execute arbitrary code in a privileged context via a crafted app.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7170 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within Apple's macOS security framework that affected versions prior to 10.13.1. This issue resides within the Security component of the operating system and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation gaps can create substantial entry points for malicious actors. The vulnerability specifically enables attackers to execute arbitrary code within a privileged context, effectively bypassing the normal security boundaries that protect system integrity. The flaw manifests through the manipulation of crafted applications that can exploit weaknesses in how macOS handles security validation processes. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of privilege escalation attacks where unauthorized code execution occurs with elevated privileges, potentially allowing full system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the security subsystem that processes application launches and security contexts. When a maliciously crafted application is executed, the system fails to properly verify the application's legitimacy and security posture before granting elevated privileges. This allows the attacker's code to operate within the privileged security context that should only be accessible to legitimate system components or authorized applications. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution as it fundamentally undermines the principle of least privilege that forms the cornerstone of modern operating system security models. Security researchers have classified this issue as a privilege escalation vulnerability, aligning with CWE-276 which addresses improper privilege management in software systems. The flaw essentially creates a backdoor mechanism that allows malicious code to gain elevated privileges without proper authentication or authorization checks.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-7170 is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with the capability to establish persistent access to affected systems while maintaining administrative privileges. Once exploited, the vulnerability enables attackers to install additional malicious software, modify system files, access sensitive data, and potentially establish command and control channels without detection. The attack vector through crafted applications means that users could unknowingly trigger the exploit simply by opening a malicious file or application, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may encounter untrusted content. This type of vulnerability directly aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the execution of malicious code with elevated privileges. Organizations running affected macOS versions face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-7170 primarily focus on immediate system updates and enhanced security monitoring. The most effective solution involves upgrading to macOS 10.13.1 or later versions where Apple has implemented proper validation mechanisms to prevent the exploitation of this privilege escalation pathway. System administrators should prioritize patch management processes to ensure all affected systems receive the necessary security updates. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting policies, monitoring for unusual privilege escalation activities, and conducting regular security assessments of system configurations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current security patches and demonstrates how operating system vendors must continuously address security gaps that can be exploited by sophisticated attackers. Organizations should also consider implementing behavioral monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous privilege escalation attempts, as this type of attack often occurs in the background without user awareness. Security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar issues within their macOS environments and ensure proper security configurations are maintained across all affected systems.