CVE-2011-3255 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
CFNetwork in Apple iOS before 5 stores AppleID credentials in an unspecified file, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a crafted application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2011-3255 represents a critical security flaw in Apple iOS versions prior to 5.0 where the CFNetwork framework improperly handles AppleID authentication credentials by storing them in an insecure file location. This issue stems from a fundamental design flaw in how the operating system manages sensitive authentication data, creating an exploitable condition that significantly weakens the overall security posture of affected devices. The vulnerability specifically affects the credential storage mechanisms within the iOS ecosystem, particularly impacting the way authentication tokens and related sensitive information are persisted on device storage.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the CFNetwork component writing AppleID credentials to a file that lacks proper access controls or encryption mechanisms. This insecure storage approach violates fundamental security principles and creates an attack surface that remote adversaries can exploit. The unspecified file location suggests that the credentials are stored in a predictable path within the file system, making it accessible to malicious applications that can be installed on the device. This represents a classic case of insecure data storage that allows unauthorized access to sensitive information, aligning with CWE-312 which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper storage.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with persistent access to user accounts across multiple sessions. Remote attackers can craft malicious applications that leverage this flaw to extract AppleID credentials from the insecure file location, potentially enabling account takeover attacks, unauthorized access to iCloud services, and broader exploitation of user accounts. The vulnerability essentially creates a backdoor that allows malicious actors to bypass normal authentication mechanisms and gain unauthorized access to sensitive user information, making it particularly dangerous in environments where iOS devices handle confidential data or serve as entry points to enterprise networks.
This vulnerability demonstrates a failure in proper input validation and secure coding practices, as the system does not adequately protect sensitive authentication data from unauthorized access. The flaw can be exploited through the installation of malicious applications that can read the insecurely stored credentials, representing a sophisticated attack vector that combines social engineering with technical exploitation. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the ATT&CK framework, particularly under the credential access and persistence tactics where adversaries seek to obtain and maintain access to user accounts through compromised authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper file system permissions and encryption practices in mobile operating systems, as the lack of these security controls creates an exploitable condition that affects the entire iOS security model.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate system updates to iOS 5.0 or later versions where Apple addressed this specific credential storage issue. Organizations should implement comprehensive mobile device management policies that enforce timely security updates and monitor for potentially malicious applications that might attempt to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of installing untrusted applications and the importance of maintaining current operating system versions. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure credential handling in mobile environments and the need for robust access controls and encryption mechanisms to protect sensitive user data from unauthorized access.