How severe is CVE-2017-13872?

CVE-2017-13872 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.1, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with high attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2017-13872 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 37% (98th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2017-13872?

CVE-2017-13872 primarily affects Apple Mac Os X. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2017-13872?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2017-13872 published?

CVE-2017-13872 was published on 2017-11-29 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2017-13872

CVE-2017-13872 is a high-severity vulnerability in Apple Mac Os X with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.1. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 37% places it in the 98th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-287.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.1)
CVSS v2: 9.3
EPSS exploit prediction: 37% (98th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-287
Affected product: Apple Mac Os X
Published: 2017-11-29
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

An issue was discovered in certain Apple products. macOS High Sierra before Security Update 2017-001 is affected. The issue involves the "Directory Utility" component. It allows attackers to obtain administrator access without a password via certain interactions involving entry of the root user name.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2017-13872?: An issue was discovered in certain Apple products. macOS High Sierra before Security Update 2017-001 is affected. The issue involves the "Directory Utility" component. It allows attackers to obtain administrator access without a password via certain interactions involving entry of the root user name.
How severe is CVE-2017-13872?: CVE-2017-13872 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.1, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with high attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2017-13872 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 37% (98th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2017-13872?: CVE-2017-13872 primarily affects Apple Mac Os X. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2017-13872?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2017-13872 published?: CVE-2017-13872 was published on 2017-11-29 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (2)

cpe:2.3:o:apple:mac_os_x:10.13.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:apple:mac_os_x:10.13.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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