Vulnerabilities > CVE-2016-4679 - Link Following vulnerability in Apple products

047910
CVSS 4.3 - MEDIUM
Attack vector
NETWORK
Attack complexity
MEDIUM
Privileges required
NONE
Confidentiality impact
NONE
Integrity impact
PARTIAL
Availability impact
NONE
network
apple
CWE-59
nessus
NVD
Published: 2017-02-20
Updated: 2019-03-22

Summary

An issue was discovered in certain Apple products. iOS before 10.1 is affected. macOS before 10.12.1 is affected. tvOS before 10.0.1 is affected. watchOS before 3.1 is affected. The issue involves the "libarchive" component, which allows remote attackers to write to arbitrary files via a crafted archive containing a symlink.

Vulnerable Configurations

Part Description Count
OS
Apple
308

Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE)

Common Attack Pattern Enumeration and Classification (CAPEC)

  • Symlink Attack
    An attacker positions a symbolic link in such a manner that the targeted user or application accesses the link's endpoint, assuming that it is accessing a file with the link's name. The endpoint file may be either output or input. If the file is output, the result is that the endpoint is modified, instead of a file at the intended location. Modifications to the endpoint file may include appending, overwriting, corrupting, changing permissions, or other modifications. In some variants of this attack the attacker may be able to control the change to a file while in other cases they cannot. The former is especially damaging since the attacker may be able to grant themselves increased privileges or insert false information, but the latter can also be damaging as it can expose sensitive information or corrupt or destroy vital system or application files. Alternatively, the endpoint file may serve as input to the targeted application. This can be used to feed malformed input into the target or to cause the target to process different information, possibly allowing the attacker to control the actions of the target or to cause the target to expose information to the attacker. Moreover, the actions taken on the endpoint file are undertaken with the permissions of the targeted user or application, which may exceed the permissions that the attacker would normally have.
  • Accessing, Modifying or Executing Executable Files
    An attack of this type exploits a system's configuration that allows an attacker to either directly access an executable file, for example through shell access; or in a possible worst case allows an attacker to upload a file and then execute it. Web servers, ftp servers, and message oriented middleware systems which have many integration points are particularly vulnerable, because both the programmers and the administrators must be in synch regarding the interfaces and the correct privileges for each interface.
  • Leverage Executable Code in Non-Executable Files
    An attack of this type exploits a system's trust in configuration and resource files, when the executable loads the resource (such as an image file or configuration file) the attacker has modified the file to either execute malicious code directly or manipulate the target process (e.g. application server) to execute based on the malicious configuration parameters. Since systems are increasingly interrelated mashing up resources from local and remote sources the possibility of this attack occurring is high. The attack can be directed at a client system, such as causing buffer overrun through loading seemingly benign image files, as in Microsoft Security Bulletin MS04-028 where specially crafted JPEG files could cause a buffer overrun once loaded into the browser. Another example targets clients reading pdf files. In this case the attacker simply appends javascript to the end of a legitimate url for a pdf (http://www.gnucitizen.org/blog/danger-danger-danger/) http://path/to/pdf/file.pdf#whatever_name_you_want=javascript:your_code_here The client assumes that they are reading a pdf, but the attacker has modified the resource and loaded executable javascript into the client's browser process. The attack can also target server processes. The attacker edits the resource or configuration file, for example a web.xml file used to configure security permissions for a J2EE app server, adding role name "public" grants all users with the public role the ability to use the administration functionality. The server trusts its configuration file to be correct, but when they are manipulated, the attacker gains full control.
  • Manipulating Input to File System Calls
    An attacker manipulates inputs to the target software which the target software passes to file system calls in the OS. The goal is to gain access to, and perhaps modify, areas of the file system that the target software did not intend to be accessible.

Nessus

  • NASL familyMisc.
    NASL idAPPLETV_10_0_1.NASL
    descriptionAccording to its banner, the version of Apple TV on the remote device is prior to 10.0.1. It is, therefore, affected by multiple vulnerabilities : - A flaw exists in WebKit when handling the location attribute that allows an unauthenticated, remote attacker to bypass the cross-origin policies and disclose sensitive user information. (CVE-2016-4613) - An out-of-bounds read error exists in the FontParser component when handling specially crafted font files that allows an unauthenticated, remote attacker to disclose sensitive information. (CVE-2016-4660) - An unspecified flaw exists in the Sandbox Profiles component that allows a local attacker, via a specially crafted application, to disclose the metadata of photo directories. (CVE-2016-4664) - An unspecified flaw exists in the Sandbox Profiles component that allows a local attacker, via a specially crafted application, to disclose the metadata of audio recordings. (CVE-2016-4665) - Multiple memory corruption issues exist in Webkit due to improper validation of user-supplied input. An unauthenticated, remote attacker can exploit these to execute arbitrary code. (CVE-2016-4666, CVE-2016-4677, CVE-2016-7578) - Multiple unspecified flaws exist in the System Boot component, within MIG generated code, due to improper validation of input. A local attacker can exploit these to terminate the system or execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. (CVE-2016-4669) - A memory corruption issue exists in the CoreGraphics component when handling specially crafted JPEG files. An unauthenticated, remote attacker can exploit this, via a specially crafted file, to cause a denial of service condition or the execution of arbitrary code. (CVE-2016-4673) - An unspecified logic issue exists in libxpc that allows a local attacker to execute arbitrary code with root privileges. (CVE-2016-4675) - A flaw exists in libarchive due to improper path validation when creating temporary files during archive extraction. An unauthenticated, remote attacker can exploit this, via a symlink attack, to overwrite arbitrary files. (CVE-2016-4679) - An unspecified flaw exists in the Kernel component due to improper sanitization of input. A local attacker can exploit this to disclose kernel memory contents. (CVE-2016-4680) - An overflow condition exists in the FontParser component due to improper validation when parsing font files. An unauthenticated, remote attacker can exploit this to cause a buffer overflow, resulting in a denial of service condition or the execution of arbitrary code. (CVE-2016-4688) - A flaw exists in the CFNetwork Proxies component when handling proxy credentials that allows a man-in-the-middle attacker to disclose sensitive user information. (CVE-2016-7579) - A flaw exists in the AppleMobileFileIntegrity component due to improper validation of code signatures. A local attacker can exploit this to have a signed executable substitute code with the same team ID. (CVE-2016-7584) - Multiple race conditions exist in various IOKit drivers related to how they use task struct pointers. A local attacker can exploit this to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. (CVE-2016-7613) Note that only 4th generation models are affected by these vulnerabilities.
    last seen2020-06-01
    modified2020-06-02
    plugin id94337
    published2016-10-27
    reporterThis script is Copyright (C) 2016-2019 and is owned by Tenable, Inc. or an Affiliate thereof.
    sourcehttps://www.tenable.com/plugins/nessus/94337
    titleApple TV < 10.0.1 Multiple Vulnerabilities
    code
    #
# (C) Tenable Network Security, Inc.
#

include("compat.inc");

if (description)
{
  script_id(94337);
  script_version("1.10");
  script_cvs_date("Date: 2019/11/14");

  script_cve_id(
    "CVE-2016-4613",
    "CVE-2016-4660",
    "CVE-2016-4664",
    "CVE-2016-4665",
    "CVE-2016-4666",
    "CVE-2016-4669",
    "CVE-2016-4673",
    "CVE-2016-4675",
    "CVE-2016-4677",
    "CVE-2016-4679",
    "CVE-2016-4680",
    "CVE-2016-4688",
    "CVE-2016-7578",
    "CVE-2016-7579",
    "CVE-2016-7584",
    "CVE-2016-7613"
  );
  script_bugtraq_id(
    93849,
    93851,
    93853,
    93854,
    93856,
    93949,
    94116,
    94571,
    94572
  );

  script_name(english:"Apple TV < 10.0.1 Multiple Vulnerabilities");
  script_summary(english:"Checks the build number.");

  script_set_attribute(attribute:"synopsis", value:
"The remote Apple TV device is affected by multiple vulnerabilities.");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"description", value:
"According to its banner, the version of Apple TV on the remote device
is prior to 10.0.1. It is, therefore, affected by multiple
vulnerabilities :

  - A flaw exists in WebKit when handling the location
    attribute that allows an unauthenticated, remote
    attacker to bypass the cross-origin policies and
    disclose sensitive user information. (CVE-2016-4613)

  - An out-of-bounds read error exists in the FontParser
    component when handling specially crafted font files
    that allows an unauthenticated, remote attacker to
    disclose sensitive information. (CVE-2016-4660)

  - An unspecified flaw exists in the Sandbox Profiles
    component that allows a local attacker, via a specially
    crafted application, to disclose the metadata of photo
    directories. (CVE-2016-4664)

  - An unspecified flaw exists in the Sandbox Profiles
    component that allows a local attacker, via a specially
    crafted application, to disclose the metadata of audio
    recordings. (CVE-2016-4665)

  - Multiple memory corruption issues exist in Webkit due
    to improper validation of user-supplied input. An
    unauthenticated, remote attacker can exploit these to
    execute arbitrary code. (CVE-2016-4666, CVE-2016-4677,
    CVE-2016-7578)

  - Multiple unspecified flaws exist in the System Boot
    component, within MIG generated code, due to improper
    validation of input. A local attacker can exploit these
    to terminate the system or execute arbitrary code with
    elevated privileges. (CVE-2016-4669)

  - A memory corruption issue exists in the CoreGraphics
    component when handling specially crafted JPEG files. An
    unauthenticated, remote attacker can exploit this, via a
    specially crafted file, to cause a denial of service
    condition or the execution of arbitrary code.
    (CVE-2016-4673)

  - An unspecified logic issue exists in libxpc that allows
    a local attacker to execute arbitrary code with root
    privileges. (CVE-2016-4675)

  - A flaw exists in libarchive due to improper path
    validation when creating temporary files during archive
    extraction. An unauthenticated, remote attacker can
    exploit this, via a symlink attack, to overwrite
    arbitrary files. (CVE-2016-4679)

  - An unspecified flaw exists in the Kernel component due
    to improper sanitization of input. A local attacker can
    exploit this to disclose kernel memory contents.
    (CVE-2016-4680)

  - An overflow condition exists in the FontParser component
    due to improper validation when parsing font files. An
    unauthenticated, remote attacker can exploit this to
    cause a buffer overflow, resulting in a denial of
    service condition or the execution of arbitrary code.
    (CVE-2016-4688)

  - A flaw exists in the CFNetwork Proxies component when
    handling proxy credentials that allows a
    man-in-the-middle attacker to disclose sensitive user
    information. (CVE-2016-7579)

  - A flaw exists in the AppleMobileFileIntegrity component
    due to improper validation of code signatures. A local
    attacker can exploit this to have a signed executable
    substitute code with the same team ID. (CVE-2016-7584)

  - Multiple race conditions exist in various IOKit drivers
    related to how they use task struct pointers. A local
    attacker can exploit this to execute arbitrary code with
    kernel-level privileges. (CVE-2016-7613)

Note that only 4th generation models are affected by these
vulnerabilities.");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"see_also", value:"https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207270");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"solution", value:
"Upgrade to Apple TV version 10.0.1 or later. Note that this update is
only available for 4th generation models.");
  script_set_cvss_base_vector("CVSS2#AV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C");
  script_set_cvss_temporal_vector("CVSS2#E:POC/RL:OF/RC:C");
  script_set_cvss3_base_vector("CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H");
  script_set_cvss3_temporal_vector("CVSS:3.0/E:P/RL:O/RC:C");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"cvss_score_source", value:"CVE-2016-7613");

  script_set_attribute(attribute:"exploitability_ease", value:"Exploits are available");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"exploit_available", value:"true");

  script_set_attribute(attribute:"vuln_publication_date", value:"2016/10/24");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"patch_publication_date", value:"2016/10/24");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"plugin_publication_date", value:"2016/10/27");

  script_set_attribute(attribute:"plugin_type", value:"remote");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"cpe", value:"cpe:/a:apple:apple_tv");
  script_end_attributes();

  script_category(ACT_GATHER_INFO);
  script_family(english:"Misc.");

  script_copyright(english:"This script is Copyright (C) 2016-2019 and is owned by Tenable, Inc. or an Affiliate thereof.");

  script_dependencies("appletv_version.nasl");
  script_require_keys("AppleTV/Version", "AppleTV/Model", "AppleTV/URL", "AppleTV/Port");
  script_require_ports("Services/www", 7000);

  exit(0);
}

include("audit.inc");
include("appletv_func.inc");

url = get_kb_item('AppleTV/URL');
if (empty_or_null(url)) exit(0, 'Cannot determine Apple TV URL.');
port = get_kb_item('AppleTV/Port');
if (empty_or_null(port)) exit(0, 'Cannot determine Apple TV port.');

build = get_kb_item('AppleTV/Version');
if (empty_or_null(build)) audit(AUDIT_UNKNOWN_DEVICE_VER, 'Apple TV');

model = get_kb_item('AppleTV/Model');
if (empty_or_null(model)) exit(0, 'Cannot determine Apple TV model.');

fixed_build = "14U71";
tvos_ver = '10.0.1';

# determine gen from the model
gen = APPLETV_MODEL_GEN[model];

appletv_check_version(
  build          : build,
  fix            : fixed_build,
  affected_gen   : 4,
  fix_tvos_ver   : tvos_ver,
  model          : model,
  gen            : gen,
  port           : port,
  url            : url,
  severity       : SECURITY_HOLE
);
  • NASL familyMacOS X Local Security Checks
    NASL idMACOS_10_12_1.NASL
    descriptionThe remote host is running a version of Mac OS X that is 10.12.x prior to macOS 10.12.1. It is, therefore, affected by multiple vulnerabilities in the following components : - ATS - AppleMobileFileIntegrity - AppleSMC - CFNetwork Proxies - CoreGraphics - FaceTime - FontParser - IDS - Connectivity - Kernel - libarchive - libxpc - ntfs - Security - Thunderbolt Note that successful exploitation of the most serious issues can result in arbitrary code execution.
    last seen2020-06-01
    modified2020-06-02
    plugin id94253
    published2016-10-25
    reporterThis script is Copyright (C) 2016-2019 and is owned by Tenable, Inc. or an Affiliate thereof.
    sourcehttps://www.tenable.com/plugins/nessus/94253
    titlemacOS 10.12.x < 10.12.1 Multiple Vulnerabilities
    code
    #
# (C) Tenable Network Security, Inc.
#

include("compat.inc");

if (description)
{
  script_id(94253);
  script_version("1.13");
  script_cvs_date("Date: 2019/11/14");

  script_cve_id(
    "CVE-2016-4660",
    "CVE-2016-4661",
    "CVE-2016-4667",
    "CVE-2016-4669",
    "CVE-2016-4670",
    "CVE-2016-4673",
    "CVE-2016-4674",
    "CVE-2016-4675",
    "CVE-2016-4678",
    "CVE-2016-4679",
    "CVE-2016-4688",
    "CVE-2016-4721",
    "CVE-2016-4780",
    "CVE-2016-7577",
    "CVE-2016-7579",
    "CVE-2016-7584",
    "CVE-2016-7613"
  );
  script_bugtraq_id(
    93849,
    93852,
    93856,
    94116,
    94429,
    94433,
    94571,
    94572,
    96332
  );
  script_xref(name:"APPLE-SA", value:"APPLE-SA-2016-10-24-2");

  script_name(english:"macOS 10.12.x < 10.12.1 Multiple Vulnerabilities");
  script_summary(english:"Checks the version of Mac OS X / macOS.");

  script_set_attribute(attribute:"synopsis", value:
"The remote host is missing a macOS update that fixes multiple security
vulnerabilities.");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"description", value:
"The remote host is running a version of Mac OS X that is 10.12.x
prior to macOS 10.12.1. It is, therefore, affected by multiple
vulnerabilities in the following components :

  - ATS
  - AppleMobileFileIntegrity
  - AppleSMC
  - CFNetwork Proxies
  - CoreGraphics
  - FaceTime
  - FontParser
  - IDS - Connectivity
  - Kernel
  - libarchive
  - libxpc
  - ntfs
  - Security
  - Thunderbolt

Note that successful exploitation of the most serious issues can
result in arbitrary code execution.");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"see_also", value:"https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207275");
  # http://lists.apple.com/archives/security-announce/2016/Oct/msg00001.html
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"see_also", value:"http://www.nessus.org/u?d9a074e5");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"solution", value:
"Upgrade to macOS version 10.12.1 or later.");
  script_set_cvss_base_vector("CVSS2#AV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C");
  script_set_cvss_temporal_vector("CVSS2#E:POC/RL:OF/RC:C");
  script_set_cvss3_base_vector("CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H");
  script_set_cvss3_temporal_vector("CVSS:3.0/E:P/RL:O/RC:C");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"cvss_score_source", value:"CVE-2016-7613");

  script_set_attribute(attribute:"exploitability_ease", value:"Exploits are available");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"exploit_available", value:"true");

  script_set_attribute(attribute:"vuln_publication_date", value:"2016/10/24");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"patch_publication_date", value:"2016/10/24");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"plugin_publication_date", value:"2016/10/25");

  script_set_attribute(attribute:"plugin_type", value:"combined");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"cpe", value:"cpe:/o:apple:mac_os_x");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"cpe", value:"cpe:/o:apple:macos");
  script_end_attributes();

  script_category(ACT_GATHER_INFO);
  script_family(english:"MacOS X Local Security Checks");

  script_copyright(english:"This script is Copyright (C) 2016-2019 and is owned by Tenable, Inc. or an Affiliate thereof.");

  script_dependencies("ssh_get_info.nasl", "os_fingerprint.nasl");
  script_require_ports("Host/MacOSX/Version", "Host/OS");

  exit(0);
}

include("audit.inc");
include("global_settings.inc");
include("misc_func.inc");

os = get_kb_item("Host/MacOSX/Version");
if (!os)
{
  os = get_kb_item_or_exit("Host/OS");
  if ("Mac OS X" >!< os) audit(AUDIT_OS_NOT, "macOS / Mac OS X");

  c = get_kb_item("Host/OS/Confidence");
  if (c <= 70) exit(1, "Can't determine the host's OS with sufficient confidence.");
}
if (!os) audit(AUDIT_OS_NOT, "macOS / Mac OS X");

matches = eregmatch(pattern:"Mac OS X ([0-9]+(\.[0-9]+)+)", string:os);
if (isnull(matches)) exit(1, "Failed to parse the macOS / Mac OS X version ('" + os + "').");

version = matches[1];
if (version !~ "^10\.12($|[^0-9])")
  audit(AUDIT_INST_VER_NOT_VULN, "macOS / Mac OS X", version);

fixed_version = "10.12.1";
if (ver_compare(ver:version, fix:fixed_version, strict:FALSE) == -1)
{
  security_report_v4(
    port:0,
    severity:SECURITY_HOLE,
    extra:
      '\n  Installed version : ' + version +
      '\n  Fixed version     : ' + fixed_version +
      '\n'
  );
}
else audit(AUDIT_INST_VER_NOT_VULN, "macOS / Mac OS X", version);

References