CVE-2011-3434 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
The WiFi component in Apple iOS before 5 stores WiFi 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 identified as CVE-2011-3434 represents a critical security flaw in Apple iOS versions prior to 5.0 where the wireless networking component improperly handles credential storage, creating a significant information disclosure risk. This issue stems from the insecure storage of WiFi authentication credentials within an unspecified file location that lacks proper encryption or access controls. The vulnerability affects the core operating system functionality and exposes sensitive network authentication data to malicious applications that can potentially exploit this weakness.
The technical implementation flaw involves the iOS WiFi subsystem storing authentication credentials in a manner that does not adequately protect sensitive information. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-312, which describes "Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information" where sensitive data is stored in an unencrypted format. The specific weakness occurs in the iOS wireless networking stack where WiFi passwords and authentication parameters are persisted in a file system location that lacks proper security measures. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through crafted applications that gain access to the file system, potentially bypassing normal access controls and retrieving stored credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables attackers to establish persistent network access to protected wireless networks. This creates a significant risk for enterprise environments where iOS devices may connect to corporate WiFi networks with elevated privileges. The vulnerability allows for remote exploitation without requiring physical access to the device, making it particularly dangerous in mobile environments where devices are frequently used in public spaces. The attack surface includes both individual users and enterprise networks, as compromised devices can provide attackers with access to multiple network resources and potentially escalate to broader network compromise scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate system updates to iOS version 5.0 or later, where Apple implemented proper credential encryption and access control mechanisms. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify devices running vulnerable iOS versions and ensure all endpoints are updated. The remediation process should include reviewing application permissions and implementing mobile device management policies that restrict access to sensitive system components. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts. This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper secure coding practices and the necessity of following established security frameworks such as those outlined in the OWASP Mobile Security Project, which emphasizes the critical need for secure credential storage in mobile applications and operating systems. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a credential access technique, specifically involving the exploitation of insecure credential storage mechanisms to obtain unauthorized access to network resources.