Vulnerability identifier: #VU9434

Vulnerability risk: Low

CVSSv3.1: 7.2 [CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:F/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2017-13872

CWE-ID: CWE-264

Exploitation vector: Local

Exploit availability: Yes

Vulnerable software:
macOS
Operating systems & Components / Operating system

Vendor: Apple Inc.

Description
The vulnerability allows a local attacker to gain elevated privileges on the target system.

The weakness exists due to insufficient security restrictions. A local attacker can supply an empty password for the 'root' user account via the System Preferences > Users & Groups menu and gain elevated privileges to the root account.

Mitigation
Update to version 10.3.

Vulnerable software versions

macOS: 10.13 17A365 - 10.13.1 17B48

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External links
http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208315

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

No. This vulnerability can be exploited locally. The attacker should have authentication credentials and successfully authenticate on the system.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability. However, a fully functional exploit for this vulnerability is available.