CVE-2014-1356 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in launchd in Apple iOS before 7.1.2, Apple OS X before 10.9.4, and Apple TV before 6.1.2 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted application that sends IPC messages.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1356 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within launchd, a fundamental system component in Apple's operating systems. This flaw exists in multiple versions of iOS, OS X, and Apple TV, specifically affecting systems prior to the mentioned security updates. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the inter-process communication handling mechanisms of launchd, which processes and manages system services and applications on Apple platforms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a heap-based buffer overflow that occurs when launchd receives crafted IPC messages from malicious applications. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw specifically manifests when launchd processes malformed data structures in the IPC communication channel, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to gain arbitrary code execution privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-1356 is severe and potentially devastating for affected systems. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the launchd process, which typically operates with system-level privileges. This creates a significant escalation path that could allow adversaries to compromise entire systems, install malicious software, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's exploitation requires a crafted application that can send specially formatted IPC messages, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users might inadvertently install malicious applications from untrusted sources.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is primarily through malicious applications that can communicate with launchd through IPC mechanisms. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.003 for command and scripting interpreter, and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. The exploitation process typically involves crafting a malicious application that can send malformed IPC messages to launchd, causing the buffer overflow and subsequent code execution. This attack pattern aligns with the ATT&CK technique of privilege escalation through system service manipulation, as launchd serves as a critical system service manager.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-1356 primarily focus on applying the vendor-provided security updates that address the buffer overflow in launchd. Apple released patches for iOS 7.1.2, OS X 10.9.4, and Apple TV 6.1.2 that resolve this vulnerability. Additionally, system administrators should implement application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized applications from executing, as this can limit the potential attack surface. Network monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to detect anomalous IPC communication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices, particularly in system-level components, and emphasizes the need for comprehensive input validation and bounds checking in all memory management operations.