CVE-2017-13905
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a race condition vulnerability in Apple operating systems that could allow an application to gain elevated privileges. The vulnerability affects multiple Apple platforms including iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS. Attackers could potentially exploit this to execute code with higher privileges than intended.
💻 Affected Systems
- iOS
- macOS
- tvOS
- watchOS
📦 What is this software?
Macos by Apple
macOS is Apple's desktop and laptop operating system powering Mac computers used by millions of professionals, developers, creative professionals, and enterprise users worldwide. Built on a Unix foundation with the Darwin kernel and modern Cocoa frameworks, macOS delivers a seamless ecosystem integr...
Learn more about Macos →Tvos by Apple
Watchos by Apple
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker could gain root privileges on affected Apple devices, allowing complete system compromise, data theft, and persistent access.
Likely Case
Malicious applications could bypass sandbox restrictions and gain elevated privileges to access sensitive data or system resources.
If Mitigated
With proper patching, the vulnerability is eliminated; with application sandboxing and least privilege principles, impact is limited even if exploited.
🎯 Exploit Status
Race condition exploits require precise timing and are generally complex to execute reliably. Requires local application execution.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: iOS 11.2, macOS High Sierra 10.13.2, tvOS 11.2, watchOS 4.2, Security Update 2017-002 Sierra, Security Update 2017-005 El Capitan
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208325
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Settings/System Preferences. 2. Navigate to Software Update. 3. Install the latest available update. 4. Restart the device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Application Restriction
allRestrict installation of untrusted applications through MDM or parental controls
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application control policies to prevent installation of untrusted applications
- Use Mobile Device Management (MDM) to enforce security policies and monitor for suspicious activity
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check system version against affected versions: iOS < 11.2, macOS < 10.13.2, tvOS < 11.2, watchOS < 4.2Check Version:
iOS: Settings > General > About > Version; macOS: Apple menu > About This Mac; tvOS: Settings > General > About; watchOS: Watch app > General > AboutVerify Fix Applied:
Verify system version is at or above patched versions: iOS ≥ 11.2, macOS ≥ 10.13.2, tvOS ≥ 11.2, watchOS ≥ 4.2📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events
- Applications requesting elevated privileges unexpectedly
- Kernel extension loading anomalies
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
source="apple_system_logs" AND (event="privilege_escalation" OR event="sandbox_violation")🔗 References
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208325
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208327
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208331
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208334
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208325
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208327
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208331
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208334
