CVE-2013-3948 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
Apple iOS 6.1.3 does not follow redirects during determination of the hostname to display in an iOS Enterprise Deployment installation dialog, which makes it easier for remote attackers to trigger installation of arbitrary applications via a download-manifest itms-services:// URL that leverages an open redirect vulnerability within a trusted domain.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/22/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2013-3948 represents a critical security flaw in Apple iOS 6.1.3 that specifically affects enterprise deployment mechanisms within the mobile operating system. This issue stems from how iOS handles URL redirection during the installation process for enterprise applications, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit trust relationships within the system. The vulnerability exists in the enterprise installation dialog where the system fails to properly validate or follow redirects when determining which hostname to display to users, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate the displayed information and deceive users into installing unauthorized applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability relies on the iOS enterprise deployment system's use of itms-services:// URLs to initiate application installations from trusted domains. When an enterprise application is distributed through these mechanisms, iOS should validate that the redirect chain leads to a legitimate source, but in version 6.1.3, this validation process is insufficient. Attackers can craft malicious manifests that utilize open redirect vulnerabilities present in trusted domains, effectively bypassing the normal security checks that should prevent installation of untrusted applications. This flaw operates at the intersection of web security principles and mobile application deployment, where the trust model of enterprise applications is compromised through improper redirect handling.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application installation, as it fundamentally undermines the security model that protects enterprise users from malicious software distribution. An attacker with access to a trusted domain that contains an open redirect vulnerability can craft a malicious installation URL that appears legitimate to users, potentially leading to the installation of malware or unauthorized applications without user awareness. This creates a significant risk for enterprise environments where iOS devices are commonly used, as it allows attackers to exploit the trust relationship between enterprise applications and the mobile operating system to bypass security controls. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages existing trust relationships rather than requiring new attack vectors.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-601 Open Redirect, which specifically addresses the issue of web applications failing to validate redirect URLs and allowing attackers to redirect users to malicious sites. The attack pattern described in the vulnerability maps directly to ATT&CK technique T1195.001 which covers the use of enterprise application deployment for initial access. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to iOS 6.1.4 or later versions where Apple has addressed this redirect handling issue. Additionally, enterprises should review their enterprise deployment configurations and implement additional validation mechanisms for installation manifests, particularly focusing on redirect chain validation and hostname verification. Network-level controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring and blocking suspicious redirect patterns in enterprise deployment scenarios.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the importance of proper input validation and redirect handling in mobile security contexts. Mobile operating systems must maintain strict validation of all URLs and redirect chains, particularly those involving enterprise application installation mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security measures such as code signing verification, application sandboxing, and user awareness training to protect against similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates that even trusted enterprise deployment mechanisms can be compromised when basic security principles like proper redirect validation are not properly implemented, emphasizing the critical need for comprehensive security testing across all application installation pathways in mobile environments.