Apple OS X AppleGraphicsPowerManagement Null Pointer Dereference Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
Vulnerability Details
This vulnerability allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code 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 handling of the AppleGraphicsPowerManagement kext. The issue lies in the absence of a check to ensure that a pointer is not null. 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/HT207423
Disclosure Timeline
- 2016-09-06 - Vulnerability reported to vendor
- 2016-12-15 - Coordinated public release of advisory
Credit
daybreaker@Minionz
