CVE-2018-4054 in Renderman
Summary
by MITRE
A local privilege escalation vulnerability exists in the install helper tool of the Mac OS X version of Pixar Renderman, version 22.2.0. A user with local access can use this vulnerability to escalate their privileges to root. An attacker would need local access to the machine to successfully exploit this flaw.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-4054 represents a critical local privilege escalation flaw within the Pixar Renderman software suite for macOS operating systems. This security weakness specifically affects version 22.2.0 of the Mac OS X implementation and demonstrates how seemingly innocuous installation helper tools can become gateways for system compromise. The vulnerability resides in the privilege management mechanisms of the install helper tool, which fails to properly validate user permissions during the installation process. This flaw allows an authenticated local user to exploit a privilege escalation vector that ultimately grants them root-level access to the affected system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper privilege handling within the installation helper component of Pixar Renderman. When the software performs installation operations, the helper tool executes with elevated privileges but does not adequately verify the identity or authorization level of the user initiating the installation process. This design flaw creates an opportunity for malicious users to manipulate the installation flow and gain unauthorized root access. The vulnerability operates through a classic privilege escalation attack pattern where a user with standard privileges can exploit a flaw in the system's permission model to elevate their access level. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-276, which describes improper privileges assigned to a component, and potentially CWE-787, indicating an out-of-bounds write that could occur during the privilege escalation process.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-4054 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the security model of macOS systems running affected versions of Pixar Renderman. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they gain complete control over the system, enabling them to modify critical system files, install malicious software, access sensitive data, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The attack requires only local access to the machine, making it particularly dangerous in environments where physical or network access is not strictly controlled. This vulnerability undermines the principle of least privilege and allows attackers to bypass standard security controls that normally prevent unauthorized system modifications. The impact is especially severe in enterprise environments where Pixar Renderman might be used for professional rendering tasks, as it could enable attackers to compromise entire networks through a single compromised workstation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-4054 focus primarily on immediate software updates and access restrictions. The most effective remediation involves upgrading to a patched version of Pixar Renderman that addresses the privilege escalation flaw in the installation helper tool. System administrators should also implement strict access controls, ensuring that only authorized personnel have local access to systems running affected software. Additional protective measures include monitoring for suspicious installation activities, implementing file integrity monitoring solutions, and conducting regular security assessments of software installations. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for user accounts, ensuring that standard users have minimal system access rights. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability relates to T1068, which covers local privilege escalation, and T1059, covering command and scripting interpreter usage. The vulnerability demonstrates how attackers can leverage legitimate system tools to gain elevated privileges, making it essential for organizations to maintain up-to-date software inventories and implement comprehensive patch management processes.