CVE-2014-1271 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
CoreCapture in Apple iOS before 7.1 and Apple TV before 6.1 does not properly validate IOKit API calls, which allows attackers to cause a denial of service (assertion failure and device crash) via a crafted app.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1271 resides within the CoreCapture component of Apple iOS and Apple TV operating systems, specifically affecting versions prior to 7.1 and 6.1 respectively. This issue stems from inadequate validation mechanisms within the IOKit API call processing system, which serves as the kernel-level framework for hardware device interaction in Apple's operating environments. The flaw represents a critical security weakness that undermines the integrity of the system's kernel protection mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through malformed IOKit API calls that bypass proper validation checks within the CoreCapture subsystem. When a malicious application submits crafted IOKit requests, the system fails to properly validate these calls before processing them, leading to assertion failures within the kernel space. These assertion failures trigger immediate system termination sequences that result in device crashes and complete system hangs. The vulnerability specifically targets the IOKit kernel extension framework where device drivers and hardware interfaces communicate with the operating system kernel, creating a pathway for unauthorized system state manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple device instability, as it enables attackers to execute remote denial of service attacks against targeted devices. Mobile devices running affected iOS versions and Apple TV systems become vulnerable to arbitrary crashes that can be triggered through seemingly legitimate applications. This creates a significant risk for users who may inadvertently install malicious applications or when attackers craft specific payloads designed to exploit this particular weakness in the system's kernel validation logic. The vulnerability affects the fundamental stability of the operating system and can potentially be leveraged to disrupt critical device functionality.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-1271 require immediate system updates to the patched versions of iOS 7.1 and Apple TV 6.1, which contain corrected validation mechanisms for IOKit API calls. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management protocols to ensure all affected devices receive updates promptly. Additionally, security monitoring should include detection of anomalous IOKit API call patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. From a compliance standpoint, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-248, which addresses "Uncaught Exception" conditions in software systems, and represents a failure in proper exception handling within kernel space. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a system crash or restart technique, where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to disrupt normal system operations and potentially gain further access through repeated exploitation attempts.