Apple macOS fclonefileat Time-Of-Check Time-Of-Use Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
Vulnerability Details
This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected 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 directory paths. The code is subject to a time-of-check/time-of-use race condition when performing path validation. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges from low integrity and execute code in the context of root.
Additional Details
Apple has issued an update to correct this vulnerability. More details can be found at:
https://support.apple.com/HT212979
Disclosure Timeline
- 2021-09-24 - Vulnerability reported to vendor
- 2022-02-16 - Coordinated public release of advisory
Credit
Mickey Jin (@patch1t) of Trend Micro
