CVE-2007-3753 in iPhone
Summary
by MITRE
Apple iPhone 1.1.1, with Bluetooth enabled, allows physically proximate attackers to cause a denial of service (application termination) and execute arbitrary code via crafted Service Discovery Protocol (SDP) packets, related to insufficient input validation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-3753 represents a critical security flaw in Apple iPhone version 1.1.1 that specifically affects devices with Bluetooth functionality enabled. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the Service Discovery Protocol implementation, creating a pathway for attackers who are physically present near the target device to exploit the system. The vulnerability operates through the Bluetooth stack's handling of Service Discovery Protocol packets, which are essential for device discovery and service negotiation in Bluetooth communications. When malformed or crafted SDP packets are received by the iPhone, the device fails to properly validate the incoming data, leading to unpredictable behavior that can result in complete application termination and potential system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves sending specifically crafted SDP packets that trigger buffer overflow conditions or memory corruption within the iPhone's Bluetooth service discovery component. This flaw falls under the CWE-129 weakness category, which encompasses issues related to insufficient input validation and improper handling of malformed data inputs. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic example of how network protocol implementations can be compromised when proper input sanitization is omitted or inadequately implemented. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can cause the iPhone application to crash or terminate unexpectedly, while simultaneously gaining the ability to execute arbitrary code on the device, effectively bypassing normal security boundaries and potentially establishing persistent access to the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it provides attackers with remote code execution capabilities that can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. An attacker positioned within physical proximity to the target iPhone can exploit this vulnerability without requiring network access or advanced technical skills, making it particularly dangerous in environments where physical security is not properly maintained. The vulnerability affects the core Bluetooth stack functionality, which is fundamental to many iPhone operations including file transfers, audio streaming, and device pairing. This creates a significant risk for users in public spaces or shared environments where unauthorized individuals might attempt to exploit the vulnerability, potentially leading to data theft, privacy violations, or complete device compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate protective measures and long-term system hardening approaches. Users should disable Bluetooth functionality when not actively needed, particularly in high-risk environments where physical proximity attacks are possible. Apple's recommended solution involves updating to newer iPhone firmware versions that contain proper input validation fixes for the Service Discovery Protocol implementation. Security professionals should implement network monitoring to detect unusual Bluetooth traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices, particularly in protocol implementations, as specified by industry standards such as the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and NIST guidelines for secure software development. Organizations should consider implementing device management policies that automatically disable unnecessary Bluetooth services and regularly update mobile device firmware to address known vulnerabilities. This particular vulnerability demonstrates how even seemingly minor protocol implementation flaws can create significant security risks when combined with physical proximity attack vectors, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing and validation of all system components.