CVE-2017-6978

HIGH

macOS < 10.12.5 - Remote Code Execution in Accessibility Framework

Title source: llm
STIX 2.1

Exploitation Summary

EIP tracks 1 public exploit for CVE-2017-6978. PoCs published by Google Security Research.

AI-analyzed exploit summary This PoC exploits a deserialization vulnerability in HIServices.framework (CVE-2017-6978) by sending a malformed serialized string to the Dock process, causing memory corruption due to lack of bounds checking in `cfStringUnserialize`.

Description

An issue was discovered in certain Apple products. macOS before 10.12.5 is affected. The issue involves the "Accessibility Framework" component. It allows attackers to execute arbitrary code in a privileged context or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted app.

Exploits (1)

exploitdb WORKING POC VERIFIED
by Google Security Research · cdosmacos
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/42056

This PoC exploits a deserialization vulnerability in HIServices.framework (CVE-2017-6978) by sending a malformed serialized string to the Dock process, causing memory corruption due to lack of bounds checking in `cfStringUnserialize`.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Dos
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: MacOS 10.12.3 (16D32) HIServices.framework
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Access to the target system · Dock process running
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →

References (3)

Core 3
Core References
Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry vdb-entry x_refsource_sectrack
http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1038484
Vendor Advisory x_refsource_confirm
https://support.apple.com/HT207797
Exploit, Third Party Advisory exploit x_refsource_exploit-db
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/42056/

Scores

CVSS v3 7.8
EPSS 0.0191
EPSS Percentile 83.7%
Attack Vector LOCAL
CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Details

CWE
CWE-119
Status published
Products (1)
apple/mac_os_x < 10.12.4
Published May 22, 2017
Tracked Since Feb 18, 2026