CVE-2014-4396

Vulnerability

CVE-2014-4396 is an unspecified integrated graphics driver routine in the Intel Graphics Driver subsystem of Apple OS X Mavericks versions 10.9 to 10.9.4. The routine does not properly validate calls, allowing a crafted application to trigger code execution in a privileged context [1]. This vulnerability is one of a group of related issues (CVE-2014-4394, CVE-2014-4395, CVE-2014-4397, etc.) in the same subsystem.

Exploitation

An attacker must first have the ability to execute a crafted application on the target system, such as via social engineering or as a non-privileged user. No further authentication or network access is required beyond that initial execution. The application makes specially crafted calls to the vulnerable graphics driver routine, exploiting the lack of input validation to trigger the privilege escalation [1].

Impact

Successful exploitation yields arbitrary code execution in a privileged kernel context (ring 0). This gives the attacker full control over the system, including the ability to bypass security mechanisms, access all files, install persistent backdoors, or abuse hardware resources [1].

Mitigation

Apple released OS X Mavericks v10.9.5 and Security Update 2014-004 to fix this and related vulnerabilities. The update is available via Software Update or from the Apple Support website. Users should apply the update promptly as there is no other workaround [1].