Advisory Details

November 5th, 2018

(Pwn2Own) Apple macOS launchd Improper Access Check Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

ZDI-18-1338
ZDI-CAN-5820

CVE ID CVE-2018-4404
CVSS SCORE 4.4, AV:L/AC:M/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P
AFFECTED VENDORS Apple
AFFECTED PRODUCTS macOS
VULNERABILITY DETAILS


This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on vulnerable installations of Apple macOS. 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 handling of Mach messages to the Dock. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of the client prior to spawning a process. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code within the context of the current user.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS Apple has issued an update to correct this vulnerability. More details can be found at:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208848
DISCLOSURE TIMELINE
  • 2018-04-07 - Vulnerability reported to vendor
  • 2018-11-05 - Coordinated public release of advisory
  • 2018-11-05 - Advisory Updated
CREDIT Samuel Gross (saelo)
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