CVE-2009-1680 in iPhone OS
Summary
by MITRE
Safari in Apple iPhone OS 1.0 through 2.2.1 and iPhone OS for iPod touch 1.1 through 2.2.1 does not properly clear the search history when it is cleared from the Settings application, which allows physically proximate attackers to obtain the search history.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2017
This vulnerability resides in the iPhone OS operating system versions 1.0 through 2.2.1 and iPod touch OS 1.1 through 2.2.1 where Safari web browser fails to properly synchronize search history clearing operations between the browser interface and the system settings application. The flaw manifests when users attempt to clear their search history through the Settings application, which should trigger a complete removal of all browsing data including search queries. However, the implementation contains a critical inconsistency where search history entries remain accessible within the Safari browser even after the system-level clearing operation has been executed.
The technical nature of this vulnerability can be categorized as a data persistence issue that violates proper application state management principles. When users navigate to Settings and select the option to clear search history, the system should ensure complete data sanitization across all relevant components. The flaw represents a failure in inter-application data synchronization where the Settings application properly removes entries from its own internal database but fails to communicate or coordinate with Safari's search history component to perform the same operation. This creates a scenario where the search history exists in multiple locations within the system's memory space, with one location being cleared while another remains accessible.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant privacy risk that can be exploited by attackers with physical proximity to the device. The vulnerability does not require network access or complex exploitation techniques, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by anyone who gains physical access to an unlocked device. The attack surface is limited to local physical access but the impact is severe as it exposes personal search data that could include sensitive information about user habits, interests, medical conditions, financial activities, or other private information. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and data minimization as it allows unauthorized access to information that users believe has been completely removed from their device.
The attack pattern aligns with the tactics described in the attack technique matrix under the category of credential access and information gathering. This vulnerability can be classified under CWE-200 as Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor, and potentially CWE-668 as Exposure of Resource to Wrong Sphere. The flaw represents a failure in proper data lifecycle management where sensitive data is not properly destroyed upon user request. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor separation of concerns in the application architecture, as the Settings application and Safari browser should maintain consistent state regarding user data but fail to do so.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require both immediate and long-term approaches. Users should be advised to manually clear browser history through Safari's own interface rather than relying solely on system-level clearing operations, though this is a workaround rather than a proper fix. System administrators and device security teams should implement additional security measures including regular device audits and user education about the limitations of system-level data clearing. Apple addressed this issue in subsequent updates by implementing proper synchronization mechanisms between the Settings application and Safari browser components. The recommended fix involves ensuring that all data clearing operations properly propagate across all relevant system components and that proper inter-process communication mechanisms are established to maintain data consistency.
This vulnerability highlights the importance of comprehensive testing for data integrity and consistency in mobile operating systems. The flaw demonstrates how seemingly simple user interface operations can expose complex underlying data management issues that have significant privacy implications. Security professionals should be particularly vigilant when examining mobile device operating systems for similar synchronization failures that could lead to data exposure. The vulnerability serves as a reminder that mobile device security cannot rely solely on user interface controls but must also ensure proper backend data management and synchronization across all application components. The issue also underscores the need for proper security testing of data lifecycle operations including creation, modification, access, and destruction of sensitive information within mobile platforms.