Apple OS X Authentication Bypass
CVE-2015-1130 is a high-severity improper link resolution before file access vulnerability in Mac OS X from Apple, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. The record lists version 10.10.3 as the first without the flaw, so updating Mac OS X to that release or later removes the exposure. CISA added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on February 10, 2022, which means attacks have been observed in the wild.
Attackers are already exploiting this vulnerability, according to CISA.
What to do
- Update Mac OS X to 10.10.3 or a later version.
- CISA's required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
- Read the advisory on support.apple.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
Version data comes from NVD's product matching. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | CISA (ADP) |
| CVSS 2.0 | 7.2 | High | NVD |
Official description
The XPC implementation in Admin Framework in Apple OS X before 10.10.3 allows local users to bypass authentication and obtain admin privileges via unspecified vectors.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access
The product attempts to access a file based on the filename, but it does not properly prevent that filename from identifying a link or shortcut that resolves to an unintended resource.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Follow the principle of least privilege when assigning access rights to entities in a software system. Denying access to a file can prevent an attacker from replacing that file with a link to a sensitive file. Ensure good compartmentalization in the system to provide protected areas that can be trusted.
More Improper Link Resolution Before File Access vulnerabilities (CWE-59)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue.
- Deadline for US federal agencies to remediate, set by CISA.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: active, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Third-party and government advisories
- cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2015-1130US Government Resource
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
- exploit-db.com/exploits/36692/Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
Other vulnerabilities in Mac OS X
- 7.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
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