CVE-2017-7149 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Certain Apple products, specifically macOS versions prior to 10.13 Supplemental Update, are vulnerable to a flaw in the "StorageKit" component. This vulnerability allows attackers to access passwords for APFS encrypted volumes through Disk Utility hints.

Understanding CVE-2017-7149

This CVE identifies a security issue in certain Apple products that could potentially compromise the security of encrypted volumes.

What is CVE-2017-7149?

CVE-2017-7149 is a vulnerability in macOS versions before the 10.13 Supplemental Update that enables attackers to retrieve passwords for APFS encrypted volumes by accessing Disk Utility hints.

The Impact of CVE-2017-7149

The flaw in the "StorageKit" component of affected macOS versions allows unauthorized access to encrypted volume passwords, posing a significant security risk to user data.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-7149

This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in macOS versions prior to 10.13 Supplemental Update allows attackers to obtain passwords for APFS encrypted volumes by exploiting the mishandling of Disk Utility hints.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Systems: Certain Apple products running macOS versions before 10.13 Supplemental Update
Vulnerable Versions: macOS versions prior to 10.13 Supplemental Update

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can retrieve passwords for APFS encrypted volumes by accessing Disk Utility hints due to the incorrect storage of hint values as passwords.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-7149 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update macOS to the latest version to mitigate the vulnerability
Avoid storing sensitive information on vulnerable systems

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and firmware to patch known vulnerabilities
Implement strong password policies and encryption practices

Patching and Updates

Apply the macOS 10.13 Supplemental Update to address the vulnerability