CVE-2013-5137 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
IOKit in Apple iOS before 7 allows attackers to send user-interface events to the foreground app by leveraging control over a background app and using the (1) task-completion API or (2) VoIP API.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-5137 resides within Apple iOS's IOKit framework, specifically affecting versions prior to iOS 7. This security flaw represents a significant privilege escalation and user interface manipulation vulnerability that allows malicious background applications to indirectly control the foreground application's user interface. The vulnerability stems from insufficient access controls and improper validation of inter-process communication mechanisms within the operating system's kernel extensions and driver framework. IOKit serves as the foundation for device driver development and hardware interaction in macOS and iOS, making this vulnerability particularly concerning as it affects core system components responsible for managing hardware resources and user input.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through two distinct attack vectors that leverage the background application's ability to manipulate foreground application behavior. The first vector utilizes the task-completion API, which typically handles asynchronous task notifications and completion callbacks. Attackers can abuse this mechanism to inject events that appear to originate from the foreground application, effectively bypassing normal user interface security boundaries. The second vector employs the VoIP API, which normally manages voice over internet protocol communication services. This API provides a legitimate pathway for applications to interact with system resources, but the vulnerability allows background applications to manipulate these communications to send crafted user interface events to foreground applications. Both attack vectors exploit the fundamental assumption that background processes cannot directly manipulate foreground application interfaces without proper authorization.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-5137 extends beyond simple user interface manipulation, representing a serious threat to user privacy and system integrity. An attacker could potentially trick users into interacting with malicious interfaces that appear to be legitimate application components, enabling social engineering attacks, data theft, or unauthorized transactions. The vulnerability essentially allows for a form of user interface spoofing where malicious applications can simulate legitimate user interactions, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information or system functions. This type of attack falls under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1056.001 - Input Capture, specifically targeting user interface manipulation and credential theft through deceptive interface elements. The vulnerability also aligns with CWE-284 - Improper Access Control, as it demonstrates inadequate privilege separation between background and foreground applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require both immediate system updates and enhanced application security practices. Apple's primary fix involved implementing stricter access controls within the IOKit framework, ensuring that background applications cannot manipulate foreground application interfaces through the affected APIs. System administrators should ensure all iOS devices are updated to iOS 7 or later versions where this vulnerability has been addressed. The fix typically involves enhanced kernel-level validation of API calls and stricter enforcement of process isolation principles. Organizations should also implement application whitelisting policies and monitor for suspicious API usage patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of installing untrusted applications, as the vulnerability requires background application execution to be effective. This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper kernel security boundaries and demonstrates how seemingly legitimate APIs can be abused when access controls are insufficient, making it a critical example of how IOKit framework security can impact overall system integrity.