CVE-2013-0981 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
The IOUSBDeviceFamily driver in the USB implementation in the kernel in Apple iOS before 6.1.3 and Apple TV before 5.2.1 accesses pipe object pointers that originated in userspace, which allows local users to gain privileges via crafted code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/28/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0981 resides within the IOUSBDeviceFamily kernel driver component of Apple's operating systems, specifically affecting iOS versions prior to 6.1.3 and Apple TV firmware versions prior to 5.2.1. This flaw represents a critical security issue that stems from improper validation of user-space data within kernel-level USB processing mechanisms. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-20, which denotes improper input validation, and demonstrates how user-supplied data can be exploited to compromise kernel integrity. The affected driver handles USB device communications and manages pipe object pointers that are essential for USB data transfer operations between kernel space and user space.
The technical exploitation mechanism involves a privilege escalation attack where local users can craft malicious code to manipulate pipe object pointers that originate from userspace. These pointers are typically validated and sanitized before being processed by kernel drivers, but in this case, the IOUSBDeviceFamily driver fails to properly validate the integrity and legitimacy of these pointers. When the kernel processes these unvalidated pointers, it can lead to arbitrary code execution with elevated privileges, effectively allowing a local attacker to bypass normal security restrictions and gain root-level access to the system. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates entirely within the kernel space, where the attacker can manipulate system resources and potentially access sensitive data without detection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass full system compromise capabilities. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute malicious payloads with kernel-level privileges, potentially leading to persistent backdoor installation, data exfiltration, system monitoring, and complete control over affected devices. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Apple devices including iPhones, iPads, and Apple TV set-top boxes, making it a significant concern for enterprise and individual users alike. From an operational security perspective, this vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by malicious applications or compromised user accounts, as the attack requires only local access to the device to succeed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-0981 primarily involve immediate system updates to the patched versions of iOS and Apple TV firmware, which address the underlying validation issues in the IOUSBDeviceFamily driver. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected devices receive the necessary security updates promptly. Additional defensive measures include monitoring for suspicious USB activity, implementing application whitelisting policies, and maintaining robust endpoint detection capabilities to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of kernel-level input validation and proper sandboxing principles, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation." Security teams should also consider deploying network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous USB device connections that might indicate exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability specifically targets the USB subsystem for privilege escalation purposes.