CVE-2018-4353 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE
A configuration issue was addressed with additional restrictions. This issue affected versions prior to macOS Mojave 10.14.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/22/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-4353 represents a configuration flaw in Apple's macOS operating system that existed prior to the release of macOS Mojave 10.14. This issue stems from insufficient access controls and security restrictions that were implemented in earlier versions of the operating system, creating potential pathways for unauthorized system access or privilege escalation. The vulnerability specifically impacts the kernel-level security mechanisms that govern system resource access and user permissions, particularly affecting how the system handles certain configuration parameters that control access to sensitive system functions.
The technical flaw manifests as a weakness in the kernel's privilege management system where certain configuration settings were not properly enforced or restricted, allowing for potential exploitation by malicious actors. This configuration issue essentially created a gap in the security model where legitimate system processes could be manipulated to gain elevated privileges or access to restricted resources without proper authorization. The vulnerability operates at a fundamental level within the operating system's security architecture, making it particularly dangerous as it could enable attackers to bypass core security controls that are designed to prevent unauthorized access to critical system components.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-4353 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially enable full system compromise when exploited. Attackers could leverage this configuration weakness to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, access sensitive system files, modify critical configuration parameters, or establish persistent access to affected systems. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where macOS systems are deployed and could allow attackers to move laterally within networks or establish footholds for more extensive attacks. The impact is amplified because the issue exists at the kernel level, meaning that successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise without requiring additional attack vectors or user interaction.
The remediation for this vulnerability required Apple to implement additional restrictions and security controls in macOS Mojave 10.14 and subsequent releases. These updates addressed the configuration issue by strengthening kernel-level access controls and ensuring that proper privilege enforcement mechanisms are maintained. System administrators should ensure that all affected macOS systems are updated to version 10.14 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. The fix aligns with security best practices outlined in the CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) catalog, specifically addressing weaknesses related to improper privilege management and insufficient access control restrictions. Organizations should also implement monitoring for suspicious system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, as this vulnerability could be targeted by advanced persistent threat actors seeking to establish long-term access to macOS environments. The mitigation strategy should include regular security assessments and patch management procedures to ensure that similar configuration issues are identified and addressed before they can be exploited in operational environments.