CVE-2011-0227 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
The queueing primitives in IOMobileFrameBuffer in Apple iOS before 4.2.9 and 4.3.x before 4.3.4 do not properly perform type conversion, which allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0227 resides within the IOMobileFrameBuffer component of Apple iOS operating systems, specifically affecting versions prior to 4.2.9 and 4.3.x prior to 4.3.4. This issue represents a critical privilege escalation flaw that exploits improper type conversion mechanisms within the kernel-level queueing primitives responsible for managing frame buffer operations. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic example of a buffer overflow or type confusion vulnerability that can be leveraged by malicious applications to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, effectively bypassing the operating system's security model.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper handling of data type conversions within the IOMobileFrameBuffer subsystem, which is responsible for managing graphics rendering operations on iOS devices. When applications interact with this subsystem through kernel interfaces, the queueing mechanisms fail to properly validate or convert data types, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory structures. This type conversion error allows a local user to craft a malicious application that can exploit the vulnerability to escalate privileges from standard user level to kernel level access. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the kernel space, where the most privileged operations occur, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to gain complete system control.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with the highest privileges available on the device, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The local nature of the exploit means that an attacker only needs to convince a user to install a malicious application, which then leverages the vulnerability to gain root access. This capability allows for persistent backdoor installation, data exfiltration, device monitoring, and complete control over the target device. The vulnerability affects all iOS devices running the affected versions, making it particularly dangerous as it could potentially impact millions of users who had not yet applied the necessary security patches. The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with attack patterns described in the attack technique matrix under techniques related to privilege escalation and kernel exploitation.
Security mitigations for CVE-2011-0227 primarily involve applying the official security patches released by Apple, specifically iOS updates 4.2.9 and 4.3.4, which contain the necessary fixes for the type conversion issues in IOMobileFrameBuffer. System administrators and users should immediately update their iOS devices to prevent exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates weaknesses in Apple's code review processes and type safety mechanisms within kernel-level components, highlighting the importance of rigorous input validation and proper type checking in security-critical systems. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management policies to ensure all iOS devices receive timely security updates. Additionally, mobile device management solutions should monitor for vulnerable device versions and enforce compliance with security requirements. This vulnerability also underscores the need for defense-in-depth strategies, including network monitoring for suspicious activities and endpoint protection solutions that can detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The issue relates to CWE-190, which covers integer overflow and wraparound, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers exploit for privilege escalation, demonstrating how kernel-level vulnerabilities can be weaponized for system compromise.