Friday, March 29, 2024

Memory Corruption Flaw in macOS Let Hackers run Malicious Code with Root Privileges

Security researchers discovered a double free vulnerability in macOS caused by memory corruption flaw in the AMD component. Successful exploitation of the vulnerability allows an attacker to escalate privilege and to run malicious code as a root user.

The vulnerability can be tracked as CVE-2019-8635, and it covers two flaws “namely in the discard_StretchTex2Tex method and processing of sideband tokens in an AMD Radeon class called AMDRadeonX400_AMDSIGLContext,”

discard_StretchTex2Tex and AMDRadeonX400_AMDSIGLContext are the derived classes of IOAccelGLContext2 which extend to IOAccelContext2 class, and the classes are used to render graphics on macOS machines.

“The vulnerability here occurs in the discard_StretchTex2Tex and AMDSIGLContext::process_StretchTex2Tex functions of the AMDRadeonX4000_AMDSIGLContext class, which can be accessed using the AMDRadeonX4000_AMDSIGLContext userclient with selector 2 function IOAccelContext2::submit_data_buffers, while the AMDRadeonX4000_AMDGraphicsAccelerator client can be opened with connect type 1”.

AMDRadeonX4000_AMDSIGLContext discard_StretchTex2Tex

The flaw is due to lack of validation of the data supplied from the user end, which allows an attacker to take advantage of this to escalate privileges to the kernel level. To execute the vulnerability, the local attacker should have the ability to run a low-privileged code on the target macOS system.

AMDRadeonX4000_AMDSIGLContext

The vulnerability resides in the processing of the sideband tokens that exist in the same AMD class; it allows a local attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected versions of macOS.

To execute this vulnerability, a local attacker should have privileges to run a low-privileged code on the target system to take advantage of this vulnerability.

Trend Micro reported the flaw to Apple and patch has bee released. With the two flaws, the execution method remains the same but differs in the function taken advantage of. You can find the complete root cause analysis here.

An attacker could utilize the double free vulnerability to compromise the vulnerable machine; users are recommended to upgrade their OS X versions.

You can follow us on Linkedin, Twitter, Facebook for daily Cybersecurity updates also you can take the Best Cybersecurity courses online to keep yourself updated.

macOS Zero-Day Vulnerability Allows Hackers to Bypass Security Protections With Synthetic Clicks

Hackers Launching Unique Windows and MacOS Malware via Fake WhatsApp Official Website

Website

Latest articles

IT and security Leaders Feel Ill-Equipped to Handle Emerging Threats: New Survey

A comprehensive survey conducted by Keeper Security, in partnership with TrendCandy Research, has shed...

How to Analyse .NET Malware? – Reverse Engineering Snake Keylogger

Utilizing sandbox analysis for behavioral, network, and process examination provides a foundation for reverse...

GoPlus’s Latest Report Highlights How Blockchain Communities Are Leveraging Critical API Security Data To Mitigate Web3 Threats

GoPlus Labs, the leading Web3 security infrastructure provider, has unveiled a groundbreaking report highlighting...

Wireshark 4.2.4 Released: What’s New!

Wireshark stands as the undisputed leader, offering unparalleled tools for troubleshooting, analysis, development, and...

Zoom Unveils AI-Powered All-In-One AI Work Workplace

Zoom has taken a monumental leap forward by introducing Zoom Workplace, an all-encompassing AI-powered...

iPhone Users Beware! Darcula Phishing Service Attacking Via iMessage

Phishing allows hackers to exploit human vulnerabilities and trick users into revealing sensitive information...
Guru baran
Guru baranhttps://gbhackers.com
Gurubaran is a co-founder of Cyber Security News and GBHackers On Security. He has 10+ years of experience as a Security Consultant, Editor, and Analyst in cybersecurity, technology, and communications.

Mitigating Vulnerability Types & 0-day Threats

Mitigating Vulnerability & 0-day Threats

Alert Fatigue that helps no one as security teams need to triage 100s of vulnerabilities.

  • The problem of vulnerability fatigue today
  • Difference between CVSS-specific vulnerability vs risk-based vulnerability
  • Evaluating vulnerabilities based on the business impact/risk
  • Automation to reduce alert fatigue and enhance security posture significantly

Related Articles