CVE-2010-1755 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
Safari in Apple iOS before 4 on the iPhone and iPod touch does not properly implement the Accept Cookies preference, which makes it easier for remote web servers to track users via a cookie.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-1755 represents a significant privacy flaw in Apple iOS Safari browser implementation that persisted across multiple device iterations. This issue specifically affected iOS versions prior to version 4 on iPhone and iPod touch devices, where the browser's cookie handling mechanism failed to properly respect user preferences regarding cookie acceptance. The flaw stems from a fundamental misimplementation of web standards and user privacy controls that allowed malicious actors to circumvent intended security measures. This vulnerability directly impacts user tracking capabilities and represents a failure in the browser's adherence to established web privacy protocols. The issue is classified under CWE-200, which addresses information exposure, and more specifically relates to improper cookie handling that violates user expectations and privacy controls. The vulnerability enables persistent tracking mechanisms that can monitor user behavior across different websites and sessions.
The technical implementation flaw occurs at the browser level where Safari's cookie management system does not properly enforce the user-configured Accept Cookies preference setting. This misconfiguration allows remote web servers to set cookies even when users have explicitly disabled cookie acceptance in their browser settings. The vulnerability operates through the HTTP cookie protocol where the browser fails to check the user's cookie preference before accepting and storing cookie data from remote servers. This creates a persistent tracking mechanism that can be exploited by third-party servers to monitor user activities across multiple websites, effectively bypassing the privacy controls that users have explicitly configured. The flaw demonstrates poor adherence to web standards and security best practices, particularly in how the browser handles user preferences and cookie policies. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1537 which covers "Cloud Service Dashboard" and T1071.001 which addresses "Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols", as it enables unauthorized tracking through web application mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privacy concerns to create significant security implications for users of affected iOS devices. Remote web servers can maintain persistent user sessions and track browsing patterns without user consent, potentially leading to comprehensive behavioral profiling and targeted advertising. The vulnerability allows for the creation of detailed user profiles that can be used for malicious purposes including identity theft, targeted phishing attacks, and behavioral manipulation. Users who rely on privacy controls to protect their online activities find their protection rendered ineffective, creating a false sense of security. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the core browser functionality that users trust to respect their privacy preferences. Attackers can exploit this flaw to maintain persistent tracking across different websites and sessions, effectively creating a surveillance mechanism that operates outside of user control. This flaw represents a fundamental breakdown in the browser's security model and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation details can create significant privacy risks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1755 focus primarily on upgrading to affected iOS versions where the vulnerability has been addressed. Users should immediately update to iOS version 4 or later where Apple implemented proper cookie handling that respects user preferences. System administrators and security professionals should ensure that affected devices are updated through official Apple channels and verify that cookie settings are properly configured. Organizations using iOS devices should implement additional monitoring to detect unauthorized tracking activities and consider implementing network-level controls to restrict cookie acceptance. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper cookie management in web browsers and the need for robust implementation of user privacy controls. Security teams should also consider implementing browser security policies that enforce strict cookie handling practices and regularly audit browser configurations to ensure compliance with privacy standards. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability may violate privacy regulations such as GDPR and CCPA that require proper handling of user consent and tracking preferences, making it essential for organizations to address the vulnerability promptly. The fix implemented by Apple in iOS 4 demonstrates the importance of proper security implementation in browser components and the necessity of thorough testing of privacy controls.