CVE-2018-4230 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in certain Apple products. macOS before 10.13.5 is affected. The issue involves the "NVIDIA Graphics Drivers" component. It allows attackers to execute arbitrary code in a privileged context via a crafted app that triggers a SetAppSupportBits use-after-free because of a race condition.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-4230 represents a critical security flaw within Apple's macOS operating system affecting versions prior to 10.13.5. This vulnerability specifically targets the NVIDIA Graphics Drivers component, which serves as a crucial interface between the operating system and graphics processing hardware. The flaw manifests through a use-after-free condition that occurs within the SetAppSupportBits function, creating a dangerous execution environment where malicious code can be injected into privileged system processes. The vulnerability stems from a race condition that exists during the handling of graphics driver operations, allowing attackers to manipulate memory states in ways that were not properly accounted for in the original implementation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires a sophisticated understanding of macOS kernel internals and graphics driver architecture. Attackers can craft malicious applications that trigger the race condition within the NVIDIA Graphics Drivers module, specifically targeting the SetAppSupportBits function. This function, when improperly managed due to the race condition, leaves memory regions in an inconsistent state where freed memory can be accessed and overwritten by malicious code. The use-after-free condition creates a scenario where attackers can manipulate the execution flow of the graphics driver, potentially elevating their privileges from standard user level to kernel level access. This privilege escalation allows the malicious application to execute arbitrary code with the highest system privileges, effectively compromising the entire operating system.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-4230 extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete control over affected systems. Once exploited, the vulnerability enables persistent access to the target machine, allowing for data exfiltration, system monitoring, and the installation of additional malicious software. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Apple devices including MacBooks, Mac Pros, and iMacs that utilize NVIDIA graphics hardware, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where these systems are prevalent. The race condition aspect of this vulnerability means that exploitation can be somewhat unpredictable, but when successful, it provides attackers with a reliable pathway to establish persistent backdoors within the system. Organizations running macOS versions prior to 10.13.5 face significant risk of compromise, as this vulnerability can be exploited without requiring user interaction beyond the installation of a malicious application.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which describes the use of freed memory condition, and represents a classic example of how race conditions can lead to privilege escalation vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the use of legitimate system tools and drivers to gain elevated access. Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including updating to macOS 10.13.5 or later, which patches the underlying race condition in the NVIDIA Graphics Drivers component. Additional protective measures include monitoring for suspicious graphics driver behavior, implementing application whitelisting policies, and conducting regular security assessments of systems running affected versions. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of driver security in operating system design and highlights the need for comprehensive testing of all system components that interact with hardware drivers.