CVE-2010-1753 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
ImageIO in Apple iOS before 4 on the iPhone and iPod touch allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption and application crash) via a crafted JPEG image.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1753 represents a critical security flaw in Apple iOS versions prior to version 4, specifically affecting iPhone and iPod touch devices. This issue resides within the ImageIO framework, which is responsible for handling various image formats including JPEG, PNG, and other multimedia file types. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and memory management within the JPEG image parsing mechanism, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through specially crafted image files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a memory corruption flaw that occurs during the processing of malformed JPEG images. When the iOS operating system attempts to parse a specially crafted JPEG file, the ImageIO framework fails to properly validate the image structure and memory allocation, leading to buffer overflows or heap corruption. This memory corruption directly translates to arbitrary code execution capabilities for remote attackers who can craft malicious JPEG files designed to trigger specific memory layout conditions. The flaw operates at the kernel level within the image processing pipeline, making it particularly dangerous as it can bypass normal application sandboxing mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-1753 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to encompass full system compromise capabilities. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on affected devices, potentially gaining complete control over the iOS environment. The vulnerability affects all iOS versions before 4.0, making it particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of these older versions. Applications running on affected devices become vulnerable to malicious image files transmitted through various channels including email attachments, web browsing, and instant messaging platforms. The memory corruption aspect creates a reliable crash condition that can be repeatedly exploited, leading to both service disruption and persistent system compromise.
This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions, both of which are fundamental memory safety issues. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with T1203, Exploitation for Client Execution, and T1059, Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables remote code execution through image file manipulation. The attack surface is extensive as JPEG images are commonly encountered in email, web browsing, and messaging applications, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in real-world scenarios. The vulnerability also relates to T1068, Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as successful exploitation can lead to full system compromise and privilege elevation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1753 require immediate system updates to iOS version 4.0 or later, which includes comprehensive fixes for the ImageIO framework memory handling. Organizations should implement network-based filtering to block suspicious image files and deploy mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and prevent installation of vulnerable applications. Users should be educated about the risks of opening images from untrusted sources, and security patches should be applied immediately upon release. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security updates and proper input validation in multimedia processing frameworks, as it demonstrates how seemingly benign file format parsing can become a gateway for complete system compromise. Additionally, implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect and block malicious image file transfers provides an additional layer of protection for environments where immediate patching is not immediately possible.