CVE-2011-3260 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in OfficeImport in Apple iOS before 5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via a crafted Microsoft Word document.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3260 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the OfficeImport component of Apple iOS versions prior to 5. This security weakness resides in the document parsing functionality that handles Microsoft Word files, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through specially crafted Word documents. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The affected OfficeImport module processes Word documents without adequate input validation, making it susceptible to memory corruption attacks that can be triggered remotely.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when iOS attempts to parse a maliciously crafted Word document that contains oversized data structures or malformed memory layouts. The buffer overflow allows an attacker to overwrite critical memory segments including return addresses, function pointers, or other control data structures within the application's execution context. This memory corruption can result in arbitrary code execution when the application attempts to return to an overwritten address or can cause a denial of service through application crash when the corrupted memory prevents normal execution flow. The vulnerability specifically affects iOS versions before 5, indicating that Apple had not yet implemented sufficient protections or patches to prevent this particular class of buffer overflow.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-3260 extends beyond simple application instability to represent a significant threat to mobile device security and user privacy. Remote code execution capabilities mean that attackers can potentially gain complete control over affected iOS devices, enabling them to install malicious applications, access stored data, monitor communications, or establish persistent backdoors. The denial of service aspect creates additional risks as attackers can cause legitimate applications to crash repeatedly, disrupting device functionality and potentially creating conditions that could be exploited for more sophisticated attacks. This vulnerability directly impacts the CIA triad by compromising confidentiality through potential data access, integrity through system compromise, and availability through service disruption.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3260 require immediate system updates to iOS version 5 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the buffer overflow conditions. Organizations should implement network-based protections including email filtering systems that can identify and block potentially malicious Word documents before they reach end-user devices. Mobile device management solutions should enforce mandatory update policies to ensure all devices receive the security patches promptly. Security awareness training for users should emphasize the importance of avoiding suspicious email attachments and untrusted document sources. Additionally, network monitoring tools should be deployed to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while system administrators should consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms that limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's defense evasion techniques, where outdated software represents a primary attack vector for adversaries seeking to exploit known vulnerabilities.