CVE-2013-2142 in libimobiledevice
Summary
by MITRE
userpref.c in libimobiledevice 1.1.4, when $HOME and $XDG_CONFIG_HOME are not set, allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on (1) HostCertificate.pem, (2) HostPrivateKey.pem, (3) libimobiledevicerc, (4) RootCertificate.pem, or (5) RootPrivateKey.pem in /tmp/root/.config/libimobiledevice/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2142 represents a critical security flaw in libimobiledevice version 1.1.4 that stems from improper handling of temporary file creation and configuration directory resolution. This issue affects the userpref.c component within the mobile device synchronization library, which is commonly used for managing iOS device connections and data transfers. When the environment variables $HOME and $XDG_CONFIG_HOME are not properly set, the library defaults to creating configuration files in a predictable temporary directory structure at /tmp/root/.config/libimobiledevice/, establishing a dangerous attack surface that can be exploited by local adversaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on a classic symlink attack pattern that takes advantage of the library's insecure temporary file creation methodology. Specifically, the flaw occurs when the system attempts to create certificate files including HostCertificate.pem, HostPrivateKey.pem, libimobiledevicerc, RootCertificate.pem, and RootPrivateKey.pem without proper validation of existing symbolic links. An attacker with local access can create malicious symbolic links in the target directory before the legitimate library processes attempt to write to these files, causing the library to write sensitive cryptographic material to locations controlled by the attacker rather than the intended configuration directory.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-377, which addresses insecure temporary file creation practices, and can be categorized under the ATT&CK technique T1059 for executing malicious code through local system access. The operational impact extends beyond simple file overwriting as the compromised certificate files could be used to establish man-in-the-middle attacks against iOS device communications, potentially allowing attackers to intercept, modify, or steal sensitive data transferred between iOS devices and connected computers. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges and can be executed by any local user who has access to the system where libimobiledevice is installed.
The security implications are significant for any system administrators or users who rely on libimobiledevice for iOS device management, particularly in environments where multiple users share the same system or where the library is used in automated scripts. The vulnerability essentially undermines the integrity of the device synchronization process by allowing attackers to inject malicious certificates that could be trusted by legitimate applications. Mitigation strategies should focus on ensuring that environment variables are properly set before invoking the library, implementing proper file access controls in the temporary directories, and applying the latest available patches that address the insecure temporary file creation logic. Additionally, system administrators should consider monitoring for unexpected file modifications in the affected configuration directories and implement proper privilege separation to limit the potential impact of such attacks.