Apple OS X IOThunderboltFamily Uninitialized Memory Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
September 20th, 2016
Vulnerability Details
This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on vulnerable installations of Apple OS X. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.
The specific flaw exists within the IOThunderboltFamily kext. The issue lies in the failure to properly initialize memory prior to accessing it. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges under the context of the kernel.
Additional Details
Apple has issued an update to correct this vulnerability. More details can be found at:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207170
Disclosure Timeline
- 2016-06-02 - Vulnerability reported to vendor
- 2016-09-20 - Coordinated public release of advisory
Credit
wmin
