Published Date: 2017-11-28
| Postmortem Analysis | |
|---|---|
| Timeline | 1. The software failure incident related to the "root" bug in macOS High Sierra happened in November 2017 [64963]. 2. The software failure incident related to the date-related flaw in iOS causing crashes on iPhones and iPads occurred in December 2017 [66731]. 3. The Meltdown and Spectre software flaws were announced in January 2018 [67179]. 4. The FaceTime "FacePalm" bug incident was reported in January 2019 [79780]. 5. The security vulnerabilities in iPhones, iPads, and Macs were uncovered in August 2022 [131251]. |
| System | 1. macOS operating system [65134, 112963] 2. Intel microchips [66815, 67179] 3. WebKit browser engine [131167, 131251] |
| Responsible Organization | 1. Intel [66815] 2. Apple [67179, 67299, 131167] 3. NSO Group [116526, 118407, 118887, 122201, 126585, 127259] |
| Impacted Organization | 1. Human rights activists, journalists, and lawyers worldwide [Article 116526] 2. State Department employees [Article 122201] |
| Software Causes | 1. A logic error in the validation of credentials in macOS High Sierra [Article 65134] 2. A date-related flaw in iOS involving apps that send frequent reminders causing iPhones and iPads to crash [Article 66731] 3. Fundamental flaws in microchips powering computers and smartphones known as Meltdown and Spectre [Article 67179] 4. Security vulnerabilities in iPhones, iPads, and Macs found in WebKit and the kernel [Article 131251] |
| Non-software Causes | 1. The flaw in macOS High Sierra that allowed easy access without hacking, requiring just a knock on the door and asking to be let in [65134]. 2. Fundamental flaws in microchips powering computers and smartphones that have existed for years, allowing hackers to exploit them [67179]. 3. A logic flaw in macOS itself that allowed attackers to craft malware to trick the operating system into letting it run despite failing safety checks [112963]. 4. A zero-click exploit on the phones of activists and dissidents, indicating vulnerabilities in the devices [118407]. 5. The targeting of individuals by hackers even after widespread publicity around security concerns [127259]. |
| Impacts | 1. The software failure incident allowed unauthorized access to Mac computers, potentially compromising user data [64963]. 2. The incident led to a logic error in the validation of credentials, impacting the security of macOS High Sierra [65134]. 3. The software failure incident caused concerns about the security of microchips in nearly every computer and smartphone, exposing them to hacking [67179]. 4. The flaws known as Meltdown and Spectre resulted from designs that allowed computers to operate more quickly but had fundamental flaws that could be exploited by hackers [67179]. 5. The software failure incident led to a privacy bug in Apple's service, resulting in the temporary disabling of the service [81233]. 6. The security vulnerabilities in iPhones, iPads, and Macs could potentially allow attackers to take complete control of the devices, compromising user data and privacy [131251]. |
| Preventions | 1. Improved credential validation could have prevented the software failure incident [Article 65134]. 2. Timely software updates and patches could have prevented the security flaws like Meltdown and Spectre [Article 67179]. 3. Enhanced security testing and auditing of development processes could have prevented the vulnerabilities in macOS [Article 64963, Article 65134]. 4. Utilizing a second device for official business and holding private meetings away from devices could have prevented potential targeting through security flaws [Article 126585]. |
| Fixes | 1. An emergency software update for iOS 14.8 was issued by Apple to fix a critical vulnerability that allowed invasive spyware from Israel's NSO Group to infect Apple devices [Article 118407]. 2. Apple announced a security update for macOS High Sierra to fix a security flaw related to a root password vulnerability [Article 64963]. 3. Apple released a security update to High Sierra to address a logic error in credential validation that allowed for root access to machines [Article 65134]. 4. Apple pushed out a fix for a date-related flaw in iOS that was causing iPhones and iPads to crash, along with a fix for the "root" issue on Mac computers [Article 66731]. 5. Apple recommended all users update their software to block potential intrusion after uncovering serious security vulnerabilities in iPhones, iPads, and Macs that could allow attackers to take complete control of the devices [Article 131251]. | References | 1. Apple [65294, 66731, 67179, 81233, 67299, 131167] 2. Citizen Lab [118887, 126585, 126964, 127259] 3. NSA [66815, 67179] 4. Forbidden Stories [116526] 5. Malwarebytes [81233] 6. Rendition InfoSec [67179] 7. National Cyber Security Centre [126964] 8. New Yorker [126585] 9. Washington Post [116526] 10. Le Monde [116526] 11. Die Zeit [116526] 12. Süddeutsche Zeitung [116526] |
| Category | Option | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Recurring | one_organization, multiple_organization | (a) The software failure incident having happened again at one_organization: - Apple faced a software failure incident related to a vulnerability affecting macOS, leading to a logic error in the validation of credentials [65134]. - Apple acknowledged a bug named "FacePalm" that was a security vulnerability in its products [79780]. - Hackers used a flaw in WebKit, the engine powering Apple's Safari browser, to infiltrate systems [131167]. - Apple products were found vulnerable to spyware, indicating a serious cybersecurity issue [118407]. (b) The software failure incident having happened again at multiple_organization: - The Meltdown and Spectre incident affected various companies, including Apple, Dell, and other PC makers, due to flaws in designs allowing for easy data theft [67179]. - The Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities were industry-shaking flaws affecting Intel microchips and other devices [67179]. - NSO Group was implicated in hacks targeting various individuals, including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and journalist Jamal Khashoggi [118887]. - NSO Group's spyware was used against journalists, lawyers, and human rights defenders, raising concerns about its potential misuse [126585]. |
| Phase (Design/Operation) | design, operation | (a) The software failure incident related to the development phase of design is evident in the articles. The Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities were found to stem from designs that allowed computers to operate more quickly and efficiently, leading to fundamental flaws that could be exploited by hackers [Article 67179]. These flaws were a result of the way processors eagerly and proactively executed instructions, known as speculative execution, which ultimately led to the vulnerabilities [Article 69240]. (b) The software failure incident related to the development phase of operation is highlighted in the articles as well. The article mentions that attackers could craft malware strategically to trick the macOS into letting it run, even if it failed key safety checks along the way, indicating a failure in the operation of the system [Article 112963]. Additionally, the article discusses how hackers used a flaw to infiltrate WebKit, the engine powering Apple's Safari browser, by exploiting maliciously-crafted web content, showcasing an operational failure [Article 131167]. |
| Boundary (Internal/External) | within_system, outside_system | (a) within_system: The software failure incident related to the Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities was primarily within the system. These vulnerabilities stemmed from designs that allowed computers to operate more quickly and efficiently, leading to fundamental flaws in microchips that could be exploited by hackers [67179]. The incident involved a logic flaw in macOS itself that could allow attackers to craft malware to trick the operating system into running it despite failing safety checks [112963]. Additionally, the flaw that hackers used to infiltrate WebKit, the engine powering Apple's Safari browser, was within the system [131167]. (b) outside_system: The incident involving the Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities also had contributing factors originating from outside the system. Security researchers independently discovered and reported these vulnerabilities to Intel and Google, indicating external factors influencing the incident [66815]. The article also mentions the risks posed by criminal hackers exploiting the vulnerabilities, highlighting external threats to the system [67179]. |
| Nature (Human/Non-human) | non-human_actions, human_actions | (a) The software failure incident occurring due to non-human actions: - The software failure incident in Article 65134 was due to a logic error in the validation of credentials in Apple's macOS High Sierra, allowing an easy method of breaking the operating system's security protections [65134]. - The flaws known as Meltdown and Spectre, as mentioned in Article 67179, were fundamental flaws in the microchips powering nearly every computer and smartphone, which could be exploited by hackers and were not entirely fixable due to the design of the chips [67179]. - The incident in Article 69240 highlighted how the flaws Meltdown and Spectre were caused by the widespread use of a technique called "speculative execution" in processors, leading to a situation where the internet broke its own code retroactively [69240]. (b) The software failure incident occurring due to human actions: - The incident in Article 79780 mentioned that the software vulnerability, branded as "FacePalm" by security researchers, was acknowledged by Apple after being publicly exposed, indicating a human error in the software development process [79780]. - Article 81233 discussed Apple's string of security gaffes, indicating that the company's bugs put user data at risk, suggesting human errors in the software development and testing processes [81233]. - The flaw found by a researcher in macOS, as mentioned in Article 112963, allowed attackers to craft malware strategically to trick the operating system into running it, indicating a human error in the software design or implementation [112963]. |
| Dimension (Hardware/Software) | hardware, software | (a) The software failure incident related to hardware can be seen in the articles discussing the Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities were fundamental flaws in the microchips powering computers and smartphones, including those from Intel, AMD, and ARM, that allowed for potential exploitation by hackers [67179]. The fix for these vulnerabilities would require the redesign, production, and distribution of new computer chips, a process that experts estimated would take many years to complete [67179]. The delay in addressing these hardware-related flaws was due to the complexity of trying to remedy hardware problems and the challenges of working across affected companies [67179]. (b) The software failure incident related to software can be observed in the articles discussing bugs and vulnerabilities found in Apple's software, such as the WebKit bug that could be exploited by hackers through maliciously crafted web content [131167, 131251]. Additionally, there were reports of security vulnerabilities in Apple's iPhones, iPads, and Macs that could potentially allow attackers to take complete control of the devices, leading to arbitrary code execution and full access to the device [131251]. |
| Objective (Malicious/Non-malicious) | malicious, non-malicious | (a) The software failure incident related to malicious intent: - The incident involved the exploitation of security flaws in Apple's macOS High Sierra, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to user data [64963, 65134]. - Spyware companies like NSO Group and QuaDream leveraged vulnerabilities in Apple's instant messaging platform to plant malicious software on targeted devices, leading to unauthorized access to data [124550]. (b) The software failure incident related to non-malicious factors: - The incident involving the Meltdown and Spectre flaws stemmed from fundamental design flaws in microchips that could be exploited by hackers, leading to the theft of private information stored in computers or smartphones [67179]. - The incident related to a flaw in macOS itself that allowed attackers to craft malware to trick the operating system into running it, highlighting the fragility of anti-malware protections [112963]. |
| Intent (Poor/Accidental Decisions) | poor_decisions, accidental_decisions | (a) The software failure incident related to the Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities can be attributed to poor decisions made in the design of the microchips that powered computers and smartphones. The flaws in the designs allowed for fundamental vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers, leading to potential theft of private information stored in these devices [Article 67179]. Additionally, the incident highlighted the risks associated with speculative execution in processors, which could be leveraged by malicious actors to access sensitive data [Article 66815]. (b) The software failure incident involving Apple's macOS can be linked to accidental decisions or mistakes made during the development and release process. Apple acknowledged a logic error in the validation of credentials, which was addressed with improved credential validation [Article 65134]. The company also expressed regret for releasing the macOS with vulnerabilities and stated that they are auditing their development processes to prevent such incidents in the future [Article 64963]. |
| Capability (Incompetence/Accidental) | development_incompetence, accidental | (a) The software failure incident related to development incompetence is evident in the articles. For example, in Article 65134, Apple acknowledged a logic error in the validation of credentials that led to a vulnerability in macOS. The company stated that security is a top priority for every Apple product and expressed regret for stumbling with the release that contained this vulnerability. They mentioned auditing their development processes to prevent such incidents in the future [65134]. Additionally, in Article 81233, it is highlighted that Apple's string of security gaffes has become increasingly problematic as the company continues to emphasize its safety and privacy credentials. The bugs identified in Apple's software put user data at risk, indicating a failure in ensuring the quality and security of their products [81233]. (b) The software failure incident related to accidental factors is also apparent in the articles. In Article 67179, it is mentioned that the newly discovered security flaws named Meltdown and Spectre were a result of designs that allowed computers to operate more quickly and efficiently. These flaws were not intentionally introduced but stemmed from the inherent design of the microchips, leading to vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers [67179]. Furthermore, in Article 131167, Apple reported that hackers used a flaw to infiltrate WebKit, the engine powering the Safari web browser. This exploit could be triggered if a user accessed maliciously crafted web content, indicating that the vulnerability was not deliberately created but could be exploited under certain conditions [131167]. |
| Duration | permanent, temporary | (a) The software failure incident related to the Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities can be considered as a permanent failure. These vulnerabilities were fundamental flaws in the microchips that powered nearly every computer and smartphone for years [Article 67179]. The fixes issued for these flaws were likely to cause devices to operate more slowly, and a total fix would require the redesign, production, and distribution of new computer chips, a process that experts estimated would take many years to complete [Article 67179]. (b) The software failure incident related to the Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities can also be considered as a temporary failure. Security experts mentioned that the patches issued in recent days and weeks should largely protect users against Meltdown, which exploits a flaw mainly in Intel microchips [Article 67179]. Additionally, the article highlighted that for Spectre, which affects AMD, Arm, and Intel chips, it was more difficult for hackers to exploit but also harder to fix through software patches [Article 67179]. |
| Behaviour | crash, omission, timing, value, byzantine, other | (a) crash: The articles mention the Meltdown and Spectre incident, where the flaws in the microchips could lead to attacks that could cause the theft of private information stored in computers or smartphones [Article 67179]. These flaws could potentially allow hackers to exploit the system and cause it to crash by accessing sensitive data [Article 67299]. (b) omission: The delay in disclosing the Meltdown and Spectre flaws was due to the complexity of working across affected companies, which resulted in the system omitting to perform its intended functions of protecting user data promptly [Article 67179]. (c) timing: The Meltdown and Spectre incident involved flaws that could allow the theft of private information stored in computers or smartphones, indicating a timing failure where the system performed its intended functions too late to prevent potential attacks [Article 67179]. (d) value: The Meltdown and Spectre flaws could lead to attacks that could cause the theft of private information, such as passwords and credit card numbers, stored in computers or smartphones, indicating a failure in the system performing its intended functions incorrectly [Article 67179]. (e) byzantine: The Meltdown and Spectre incident involved flaws in microchips that could be exploited by hackers, leading to inconsistent responses and interactions within the system, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive data [Article 67179]. (f) other: The articles also mention the behavior of speculative execution in processors, where the system eagerly and proactively executes instructions before they are actually needed, leading to the primary discovery of the Meltdown and Spectre flaws that could leak sensitive information [Article 69240]. This behavior of speculative execution contributed to the system's vulnerability to attacks and the need for significant changes to address the flaws. |
| Layer | Option | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Perception | None | None |
| Communication | None | None |
| Application | None | None |
| Category | Option | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Consequence | property, non-human, theoretical_consequence | (a) death: There is no mention of people losing their lives due to the software failure incident in the provided articles. (b) harm: The articles do not mention people being physically harmed due to the software failure incident. (c) basic: There is no indication in the articles that people's access to food or shelter was impacted because of the software failure incident. (d) property: The software failure incident did impact people's material goods, money, or data. The flaws known as Meltdown and Spectre could potentially allow hackers to steal private information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and other sensitive data stored in computers or smartphones [67179]. (e) delay: The articles do not mention people having to postpone an activity due to the software failure incident. (f) non-human: Non-human entities were impacted due to the software failure incident. The flaws Meltdown and Spectre affected the microchips powering nearly every computer and smartphone, leading to fundamental flaws that could be exploited by hackers [67179]. (g) no_consequence: The articles do not suggest that there were no real observed consequences of the software failure incident. (h) theoretical_consequence: There were potential consequences discussed regarding the software failure incident that did not occur. For example, security experts mentioned that attacks exploiting the Meltdown and Spectre flaws could allow the theft of private information, but it was not clear whether hackers had actually used these flaws to steal data [67179]. (i) other: The articles do not provide information on other consequences of the software failure incident beyond those mentioned above. |
| Domain | information, government | (a) The failed system was related to the information industry, particularly affecting the security of computer systems and data. The articles discuss vulnerabilities in computer chips that could lead to the theft of sensitive information [66815], software flaws that could potentially be exploited by hackers to steal data [67179], and the use of spyware by private firms to target journalists, activists, and government critics [116526, 118407, 122201, 124550]. (b) There is no specific mention of the failed system being related to the transportation industry in the provided articles. (c) There is no specific mention of the failed system being related to the natural resources industry in the provided articles. (d) There is no specific mention of the failed system being related to the sales industry in the provided articles. (e) There is no specific mention of the failed system being related to the construction industry in the provided articles. (f) There is no specific mention of the failed system being related to the manufacturing industry in the provided articles. (g) There is no specific mention of the failed system being related to the utilities industry in the provided articles. (h) There is no specific mention of the failed system being related to the finance industry in the provided articles. (i) There is no specific mention of the failed system being related to the knowledge industry in the provided articles. (j) There is no specific mention of the failed system being related to the health industry in the provided articles. (k) There is no specific mention of the failed system being related to the entertainment industry in the provided articles. (l) The failed system does have implications for the government industry, as it involves the use of spyware by private firms to target journalists, activists, and government critics, raising concerns about national security and human rights [122201, 124550]. (m) The failed system is not directly related to any other specific industry mentioned in the articles. |
Article ID: 127259
Article ID: 118887
Article ID: 64963
Article ID: 122201
Article ID: 112963
Article ID: 131167
Article ID: 126585
Article ID: 79780
Article ID: 66815
Article ID: 67179
Article ID: 67299
Article ID: 65134
Article ID: 69240
Article ID: 81233
Article ID: 65342
Article ID: 123188
Article ID: 131251
Article ID: 118407
Article ID: 124550
Article ID: 126964
Article ID: 66731
Article ID: 65294
Article ID: 81384
Article ID: 116526
Article ID: 81278
Article ID: 81146