CVE-2010-1768 in iTunes
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Apple iTunes before 9.1 allows local users to gain console privileges via vectors related to log files, "insecure file operation," and syncing an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1768 represents a critical security flaw in Apple iTunes software versions prior to 9.1 that exposes local users to privilege escalation attacks through multiple attack vectors. This issue stems from inadequate security controls during the synchronization process between Apple mobile devices and computers running iTunes, creating opportunities for malicious actors to exploit the system's handling of log files and file operations. The vulnerability specifically targets the insecure file operation mechanisms that occur during device synchronization, allowing unauthorized users to potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of log files and file operations during the iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch synchronization process. When iTunes handles device communication and logging, it fails to properly validate or sanitize file operations, creating opportunities for local users to inject malicious code or manipulate existing files to achieve console privilege escalation. This flaw operates at the system level where iTunes processes user data and maintains synchronization logs, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by attackers who already have access to the local system. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation and inadequate privilege separation mechanisms that are fundamental security requirements.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-1768 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to potentially gain full administrative control over the affected system. This capability allows malicious actors to install additional malware, modify system files, access sensitive user data, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects users who sync their Apple mobile devices with computers running vulnerable iTunes versions, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where multiple devices are managed through centralized iTunes synchronization processes. The attack surface is broad as it can be exploited by anyone with local access to a system running iTunes 9.0 or earlier, regardless of the device being synced.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigation strategies including upgrading to iTunes version 9.1 or later, which addresses the insecure file operation vulnerabilities. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as restricting local user access to systems running iTunes, monitoring synchronization activities for suspicious file operations, and applying least privilege principles to minimize the impact of potential exploitation. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory) and CWE-73 (External Control of File Name or Path) categories, indicating weaknesses in path validation and file handling. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and can be used as a foothold for broader system compromise, potentially enabling lateral movement and data exfiltration activities. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in their software ecosystems, particularly focusing on file operation handling and synchronization mechanisms that may present similar attack vectors.