CVE-2010-2973 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in IOSurface in Apple iOS before 4.0.2 on the iPhone and iPod touch, and before 3.2.2 on the iPad, allows local users to gain privileges via vectors involving IOSurface properties, as demonstrated by JailbreakMe.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2973 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the IOSurface framework of Apple's iOS operating system. This issue affects iOS versions prior to 4.0.2 on iPhone and iPod touch devices, and before 3.2.2 on iPad devices, creating a significant security risk that was ultimately exploited by jailbreak developers to achieve privilege escalation. The IOSurface framework serves as a core component responsible for managing graphics surfaces and memory allocation in iOS, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to bypass system security controls. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the system processes IOSurface properties, where integer overflow conditions can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution.
The technical nature of this flaw stems from improper bounds checking within the IOSurface implementation, where integer variables fail to properly validate input values during memory allocation operations. When local applications attempt to manipulate IOSurface properties with specially crafted parameters, the integer overflow causes the system to allocate insufficient memory or corrupt existing memory structures. This memory corruption creates exploitable conditions that allow attackers to manipulate the execution flow of the operating system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the kernel-level components of iOS, meaning successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise and privilege escalation from user-level processes to root access. The flaw was effectively demonstrated through the JailbreakMe exploit, which leveraged this vulnerability to bypass iOS security restrictions and enable unauthorized modifications to the operating system.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-2973 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally undermines the security model of iOS devices. This vulnerability allows attackers to bypass the sandboxing mechanisms that protect user data and system integrity, potentially enabling malicious applications to access sensitive information, modify system files, or install persistent backdoors. The exploit's effectiveness against multiple iOS device types demonstrates the widespread nature of the vulnerability, affecting millions of devices in the field. Security researchers classified this issue as a critical threat due to its ability to be exploited locally without requiring network connectivity, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where device security is paramount. Organizations using affected iOS devices faced significant risk of data breaches and system compromise, as the vulnerability could be exploited through seemingly legitimate applications that manipulate graphics surfaces.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2973 primarily involve immediate system updates to the patched iOS versions, which address the integer overflow conditions through proper input validation and memory management. Apple's security updates included comprehensive fixes to the IOSurface framework that prevent the overflow conditions from occurring during property manipulation. Additionally, security administrators should implement comprehensive device management policies that ensure all iOS devices receive timely security updates, as well as monitor for suspicious application behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation'. Organizations should also consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can detect and prevent exploitation attempts, while maintaining regular security assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities in their iOS environments. The incident highlighted the importance of robust input validation in system-level components and demonstrated how seemingly minor flaws in graphics frameworks can create significant security risks for mobile operating systems.