CVE-2014-1273 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
dyld in Apple iOS before 7.1 and Apple TV before 6.1 allows attackers to bypass code-signing requirements by leveraging use of text-relocation instructions in a dynamic library.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1273 represents a critical code-signing bypass flaw in Apple's dynamic linker system known as dyld. This weakness affects iOS versions prior to 7.1 and Apple TV versions prior to 6.1, creating a significant security gap that could allow malicious actors to execute unsigned code on affected systems. The issue stems from how dyld handles text-relocation instructions within dynamic libraries, fundamentally undermining the operating system's security model that relies on code-signing to ensure software integrity.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper validation of dynamic library loading processes. When dyld encounters a dynamic library containing text-relocation instructions, it fails to properly enforce code-signing requirements that would normally prevent execution of unsigned code. Text-relocation instructions are typically considered a security risk because they can be exploited to modify code execution flow during runtime. This flaw creates an attack surface where malicious actors can craft dynamic libraries that bypass the normal code-signing verification process, effectively allowing arbitrary code execution without proper digital signatures.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-1273 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the security architecture of iOS and Apple TV systems. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to install malicious applications that appear legitimate to the system's security mechanisms, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-119, which addresses improper restriction of operations within a memory buffer, and represents a classic example of how improper validation of dynamic loading processes can create security bypasses. This weakness enables attackers to circumvent the security controls that would normally prevent execution of untrusted code, making it particularly dangerous in mobile environments where users trust the operating system to enforce security policies.
The exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates techniques that map to multiple ATT&CK tactics including execution through legitimate system processes and privilege escalation. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected application, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe because it affects core system components rather than individual applications, meaning that successful exploitation could provide attackers with persistent access to user data and system resources. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability represents a failure in the principle of least privilege, where the dynamic linker system should have enforced strict code-signing requirements regardless of the presence of text-relocation instructions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-1273 primarily focus on updating affected systems to versions that properly address the code-signing bypass. Apple released iOS 7.1 and Apple TV 6.1 updates that resolve this vulnerability by strengthening the validation process for dynamic library loading and eliminating the ability to bypass code-signing requirements through text-relocation instructions. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management programs to ensure all affected devices receive these security updates promptly. Additionally, security monitoring should include detection of unusual dynamic library loading patterns and code-signing violations that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and demonstrates how even core system components can contain flaws that fundamentally compromise security architectures.