CVE-2014-1278 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
The ptmx_get_ioctl function in the ARM kernel in Apple iOS before 7.1 and Apple TV before 6.1 allows local users to gain privileges or cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds memory access and device crash) via a crafted call.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-1278 represents a critical kernel-level flaw affecting the ARM-based Apple iOS and Apple TV operating systems. This issue resides within the ptmx_get_ioctl function which handles pseudo-terminal multiplexer ioctls, making it a fundamental component of the system's terminal handling infrastructure. The vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to iOS 7.1 and Apple TV 6.1, indicating it was present in the broader Apple ecosystem for several years before remediation. The flaw enables local attackers to exploit kernel memory management functions through crafted ioctl calls, demonstrating a classic case of improper input validation and memory access control.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the ptmx_get_ioctl function, which processes terminal-related ioctls for pseudo-terminal devices. When a malicious user or application makes a crafted ioctl call to the pseudo-terminal multiplexer, the kernel fails to properly validate the input parameters before accessing kernel memory. This leads to out-of-bounds memory access conditions that can result in kernel crashes or more severe privilege escalation opportunities. The vulnerability manifests as a buffer overread or write condition that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code in kernel space, fundamentally compromising system integrity and security boundaries. According to CWE classification, this maps to CWE-125: Out-of-bounds Read and potentially CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write, both of which represent severe memory corruption vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-1278 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass full system compromise capabilities. Local privilege escalation opportunities mean that any user with access to the device could potentially elevate their privileges to root level, gaining complete control over the system's resources and data. The out-of-bounds memory access conditions can cause unpredictable system behavior including kernel panics, device crashes, and potentially persistent system instability. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to install malicious software, access sensitive data, or maintain persistent access to compromised devices. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability enables techniques such as privilege escalation through kernel exploits and persistence mechanisms that could be used to establish long-term access to affected systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-1278 focus primarily on applying the appropriate security updates from Apple, which would include kernel patches that correct the input validation issues in the ptmx_get_ioctl function. System administrators and users should immediately upgrade to iOS 7.1 or later versions and Apple TV 6.1 or newer to eliminate this vulnerability. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting to prevent exploitation attempts, monitoring for suspicious ioctl activity, and maintaining regular system updates to address similar vulnerabilities. The patching process typically involves correcting the bounds checking logic in the kernel's pseudo-terminal handling code, ensuring that all input parameters are properly validated before memory access operations occur. Organizations should also conduct vulnerability assessments to identify any systems running affected versions and prioritize remediation efforts accordingly.