CVE-2013-5142 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
The kernel in Apple iOS before 7 does not initialize unspecified kernel data structures, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information from kernel stack memory via the (1) msgctl API or (2) segctl API.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-5142 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the kernel implementation of Apple iOS versions prior to 7. This issue stems from insufficient initialization of kernel data structures during system operation, creating exploitable conditions that allow local attackers to extract sensitive data from kernel memory space. The vulnerability specifically affects the msgctl and segctl application programming interfaces, which are fundamental components of the operating system's inter-process communication and memory management subsystems. The root cause lies in the kernel's failure to properly initialize memory regions before making them accessible to user-space applications, leaving residual data from previous operations visible in memory segments.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-119, which addresses improper access to memory locations, and more specifically with CWE-248, concerning exposure of uninitialized memory. Attackers can leverage this flaw by invoking the msgctl and segctl APIs to access kernel stack memory regions that contain sensitive information from previous kernel operations. The uninitialized data structures may contain remnants of cryptographic keys, session tokens, or other confidential information that should not be accessible to user-space processes. This memory exposure occurs because the kernel does not properly clear or initialize memory before making it available for API access, creating a persistent information leak that can be exploited by local malicious processes.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-5142 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked kernel memory could potentially contain sensitive cryptographic material, system configuration data, or process-specific information that could aid in further exploitation attempts. This vulnerability operates under the ATT&CK framework category of T1005, Information Gathering, where adversaries collect data from the target system. The local nature of the exploit means that any user with access to the device can potentially leverage this vulnerability without requiring network connectivity or external attack vectors. However, the exploitation requires knowledge of the specific kernel APIs and understanding of the memory layout, making it more sophisticated than typical information disclosure vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve upgrading to iOS 7 or later versions where Apple implemented proper kernel memory initialization procedures. System administrators should prioritize patch management to ensure all affected devices receive the necessary security updates. Additionally, organizations should implement monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous API usage patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper memory management in kernel code and highlights the necessity of thorough security testing for system-level components. Security teams should also consider implementing privilege separation mechanisms and access controls to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities, even when present in legacy systems.