CVE-2018-4104 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in certain Apple products. iOS before 11.3 is affected. macOS before 10.13.4 is affected. tvOS before 11.3 is affected. watchOS before 4.3 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 • 02/26/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-4104 represents a critical kernel-level security flaw affecting multiple Apple operating systems including iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS. This vulnerability resides within the kernel component of Apple's operating systems, specifically targeting memory access controls that are fundamental to system security. The flaw enables attackers to bypass intended memory-read restrictions through the execution of a specially crafted application, fundamentally undermining the memory protection mechanisms that are essential for maintaining system integrity and preventing unauthorized data access.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the kernel's memory management subsystem. When a malicious application is executed, it can exploit a weakness in the kernel's privilege checking routines to access memory regions that should normally be restricted to system processes or kernel code. This represents a classic privilege escalation vulnerability where user-mode applications can gain unauthorized access to kernel memory spaces, potentially allowing for complete system compromise. The vulnerability operates at the lowest level of the operating system, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged to bypass all higher-level security controls.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-4104 is severe and far-reaching across all affected Apple platforms. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can potentially access sensitive system information, manipulate kernel data structures, and execute arbitrary code with the highest system privileges. This capability enables sophisticated attacks including but not limited to data exfiltration, system monitoring, and the installation of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects devices running iOS versions prior to 11.3, macOS versions prior to 10.13.4, tvOS versions prior to 11.3, and watchOS versions prior to 4.3, representing a substantial portion of Apple's installed base during that time period. The impact extends beyond individual device security to potentially compromise entire networks when infected devices are connected to corporate or sensitive infrastructure.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues, and maps to several ATT&CK techniques including privilege escalation and defense evasion. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of kernel-level security and the potential for seemingly minor flaws to create significant security risks. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including prompt deployment of Apple's security updates, enhanced monitoring for suspicious application behavior, and regular security assessments of affected systems. The vulnerability also highlights the necessity of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the risks associated with delayed patch deployment, as this flaw could remain exploitable for extended periods if not properly addressed through timely software updates.