CVE-2017-16895 : What You Need to Know

A vulnerability in helper applications in Arq 5.x for Mac could allow local users to escalate privileges to root level.

Understanding CVE-2017-16895

What is CVE-2017-16895?

The vulnerability exists in several helper applications in Arq 5.x for Mac, enabling local users to gain root privileges by sending a specially crafted data packet.

The Impact of CVE-2017-16895

The vulnerability could be exploited by local users to elevate their privileges to the root level, potentially leading to unauthorized access and control over the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-16895

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability affects helper applications including arq_updater, arqcommitter, standardrestorer, arqglacierrestorer, and arqs3glacierrestorer in Arq 5.x for Mac, allowing local users to gain root privileges through a crafted data packet.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Arq 5.x for Mac
Versions: All versions before 5.10

Exploitation Mechanism

The flaw can be exploited by local users sending a specially crafted data packet to the affected helper applications, leading to privilege escalation to the root level.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Arq to version 5.10 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor system logs for any unusual activities that might indicate exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly review and update security configurations on Mac systems.
Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict user permissions and minimize the impact of potential vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Arq for their software.