CVE-2010-1817 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in ImageIO in Apple iOS before 4.1 on the iPhone and iPod touch allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via a crafted GIF file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1817 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Apple iOS ImageIO framework affecting versions prior to 4.1 on iPhone and iPod touch devices. This security weakness resides in the handling of graphics files, specifically GIF format processing, which creates an exploitable condition that adversaries can leverage remotely. The flaw manifests when the iOS operating system attempts to parse malformed GIF images, leading to memory corruption that can be systematically exploited to gain unauthorized code execution privileges or force application crashes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the ImageIO framework's GIF parser component. When processing specially crafted GIF files, the system fails to properly validate the size and structure of image data segments, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious payloads. This buffer overflow condition falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient input validation permits attackers to manipulate program execution flow by overwriting return addresses or function pointers. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-787, heap-based buffer overflow, when the attacker can control the overflow mechanism to redirect execution flow.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to iOS users as it enables remote code execution without requiring physical access or user interaction beyond viewing a malicious GIF file. Attackers can deliver payloads through various channels including email attachments, web pages, or messaging applications, making the exploitation vector highly accessible. The impact extends beyond simple application crashes to potentially full system compromise, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. This creates a pathway for persistent access and data exfiltration, representing a serious threat to mobile device security and user privacy.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2010-1817 requires immediate deployment of Apple iOS 4.1 updates, which address the buffer overflow through improved input validation and memory management within the ImageIO framework. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all iOS devices receive security updates promptly. Network administrators should consider implementing content filtering solutions to block suspicious GIF files and monitor for potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly for image processing libraries, as demonstrated by ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter. Additional defensive measures include deploying mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and monitor for anomalous behavior patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar issues in custom applications and third-party libraries that may be susceptible to similar buffer overflow conditions.