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(Pwn2Own) Apple macOS diskarbitrationd Time-Of-Check/Time-Of-Use Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

May 18th, 2017

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 diskarbitrationd service. The issue lies in the lack of proper validation of paths prior to using them. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges under 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/en-us/HT207797

Disclosure Timeline

  • 2017-03-17 - Vulnerability reported to vendor
  • 2017-05-18 - Coordinated public release of advisory

Credit

Niklas Baumstark and Samuel Groß

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