CVE-2014-1354 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
CoreGraphics in Apple iOS before 7.1.2 does not properly restrict allocation of stack memory for processing of XBM images, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via crafted image data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1354 represents a critical stack memory allocation flaw within Apple iOS CoreGraphics framework affecting versions prior to 7.1.2. This issue stems from insufficient input validation and memory management controls when processing XBM image format data, creating a pathway for remote code execution and system instability. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of image processing and memory safety, demonstrating how seemingly benign file format handling can lead to severe security implications.
The technical root cause involves improper stack memory allocation restrictions during XBM image processing within the CoreGraphics framework. When iOS encounters crafted XBM image data, the system fails to adequately validate the memory requirements before allocating stack space for image processing operations. This insufficient validation allows attackers to craft malicious image files that trigger excessive stack memory allocation, potentially leading to stack overflow conditions. The flaw specifically manifests when the system attempts to process malformed XBM headers that contain misleading size parameters or malformed data structures, causing the memory allocation routine to allocate far more stack space than intended.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to iOS devices as it enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause application crashes without requiring local access or user interaction. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including email attachments, web content, or malicious websites that serve crafted XBM images. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to device resources, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The denial of service aspect of this vulnerability can also be weaponized to create persistent availability issues, disrupting normal device operations and user productivity.
The impact of CVE-2014-1354 aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of array indices, and CWE-131, which covers improper handling of memory allocation sizes. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007, covering scripting through web shells, and T1203, which involves exploitation of remote services. These mappings highlight the broader attack surface and potential for lateral movement through compromised iOS devices. The vulnerability's remote exploitability makes it particularly dangerous in mobile environments where users frequently interact with untrusted content from various sources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates to iOS 7.1.2 or later versions where Apple has implemented proper stack memory allocation validation and input sanitization for XBM image processing. Organizations should also implement network-based filtering to block suspicious image content and deploy mobile device management solutions that enforce security policies. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary image processing capabilities in applications and implementing robust input validation controls at multiple layers of the application stack. Security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts and maintain updated threat intelligence feeds to detect potential attack patterns targeting this specific vulnerability.