CVE-2010-3827 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
Apple iOS before 4.2 does not properly validate signatures before displaying a configuration profile in the configuration installation utility, which allows remote attackers to spoof profiles via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3827 represents a critical security flaw in Apple iOS versions prior to 4.2 where the operating system fails to properly validate digital signatures before installing configuration profiles. This weakness exists within the configuration installation utility that handles profile management tasks, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the trust model that iOS employs for profile validation. The issue stems from insufficient signature verification mechanisms that should ensure profile authenticity before installation, leaving the system vulnerable to unauthorized profile manipulation.
This vulnerability operates at the intersection of code integrity and trust validation within mobile operating systems, specifically affecting the profile installation process that governs device configuration management. The flaw allows remote attackers to craft malicious configuration profiles that appear legitimate to the iOS system, enabling them to bypass the normal security checks that would normally prevent unauthorized profile installation. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that multiple attack surfaces could be exploited, potentially including web-based delivery mechanisms, email attachments, or other remote attack vectors that leverage the profile installation process.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-3827 extends beyond simple profile spoofing, as configuration profiles in iOS can contain extensive device management directives that may include network access controls, certificate installations, proxy configurations, and other system-level settings. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially install malicious profiles that redirect network traffic, install unwanted certificates, modify proxy settings, or otherwise compromise the device's security posture. This represents a significant threat to enterprise security environments where iOS devices are commonly used and where configuration profiles are frequently deployed for device management purposes.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-295 which addresses improper certificate validation, and demonstrates how weak signature validation can undermine the entire trust model of mobile operating systems. The attack vector described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework would likely map to the T1546.007 technique related to application installation, where adversaries establish persistence or execute malicious code through legitimate system processes. The vulnerability essentially undermines the principle of least privilege by allowing unauthorized profile installation that could escalate privileges or modify system configurations without proper authentication or authorization.
The mitigation strategy for this vulnerability requires immediate patching of affected iOS versions to 4.2 or later, where Apple implemented proper signature validation mechanisms for configuration profiles. Organizations should also implement network monitoring to detect suspicious profile installation activities and establish strict policies around profile distribution and approval processes. Security teams should consider implementing additional layers of protection such as mobile device management solutions that can enforce stricter profile validation requirements and monitor for anomalous installation patterns. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that legitimate profiles continue to function properly while malicious ones are properly rejected by the updated validation mechanisms.