CVE-2009-0959 in iPhone OS
Summary
by MITRE
The MPEG-4 video codec in Apple iPhone OS 1.0 through 2.2.1 and iPhone OS for iPod touch 1.1 through 2.2.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (device reset) via a crafted MPEG-4 video file that triggers an "input validation issue."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0959 represents a critical input validation flaw within the MPEG-4 video codec implementation of Apple's iPhone OS versions 1.0 through 2.2.1 and iPod touch OS 1.1 through 2.2.1. This security weakness specifically affects the multimedia processing capabilities of Apple's mobile operating system, where the codec fails to properly validate incoming MPEG-4 video data structures. The flaw manifests when a maliciously crafted video file is processed by the system, causing the device to reset unexpectedly and potentially leading to a complete denial of service condition. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of multimedia processing and system stability, exploiting the inherent trust placed in media file parsing routines within the operating system's core framework.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes input validation issues where programs fail to properly validate input data before processing. The flaw occurs within the MPEG-4 codec implementation, where insufficient bounds checking and data validation routines allow specially crafted video files to trigger memory corruption or stack overflow conditions. When the device attempts to decode the malicious video content, the improper validation causes the system to enter an unrecoverable state, resulting in automatic device reboot. This behavior demonstrates how multimedia processing components can serve as attack vectors for system-level disruptions, particularly in mobile environments where resource constraints and single-threaded processing models amplify the impact of such flaws.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-0959 extends beyond simple device reset functionality, as it represents a potential vector for more sophisticated attacks within the mobile threat landscape. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability could be categorized under privilege escalation and denial of service tactics, potentially enabling attackers to disrupt user productivity and system availability. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Apple mobile devices including the first-generation iPhone through the second-generation iPod touch, representing a significant attack surface for threat actors targeting iOS users. The widespread adoption of these devices in enterprise and consumer environments means that successful exploitation could result in substantial business disruption and user frustration, particularly in scenarios where mobile device reliability is critical for operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on software updates and patch management, as Apple would have addressed the issue through subsequent iOS releases. Users should immediately upgrade to the latest available iOS version to eliminate exposure to this flaw, as the vulnerability represents a known weakness in older operating system versions. Network administrators should consider implementing content filtering measures to prevent the delivery of malicious video files to affected devices, while security teams should monitor for reports of similar exploitation patterns. Additionally, organizations should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify any remaining devices that may still be running vulnerable iOS versions, as the exploit could potentially be combined with other attack vectors to achieve more severe outcomes including persistent system compromise or data exfiltration. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of robust input validation in multimedia processing components and the critical need for regular security updates in mobile operating systems.