CVE-2014-1358 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
Integer 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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1358 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within launchd, the core system process manager on Apple's operating systems. This issue affects multiple Apple platforms including iOS versions prior to 7.1.2, macOS versions before 10.9.4, and Apple TV software before 6.1.2. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within launchd's handling of certain data structures, specifically when processing application metadata during the launch process. The integer overflow occurs when the system attempts to calculate memory allocation sizes for application-related data, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted applications can manipulate these calculations to trigger memory corruption.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the fundamental flaw in how launchd manages integer arithmetic when determining buffer sizes for application data processing. When a malicious application is submitted to the system, the crafted application contains specially constructed metadata that, when processed by launchd, causes integer overflow conditions. This overflow results in insufficient memory allocation, which attackers can then manipulate to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, which specifically addresses issues where integer arithmetic results in values that exceed the maximum representable value for the data type. The flaw allows attackers to gain unauthorized code execution privileges, effectively bypassing the system's security mechanisms that normally prevent untrusted applications from executing arbitrary code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a privilege escalation vector that could allow attackers to bypass the system's application sandboxing and security boundaries. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain root-level privileges on the affected systems, enabling them to install malicious software, access sensitive user data, or modify system configurations without detection. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where Apple devices serve as critical infrastructure components. The attack surface is broad since launchd processes all applications that are launched on the system, making every application installation a potential attack vector. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to technique T1059.003 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as the flaw enables an attacker to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-1358 primarily focus on applying the official security patches provided by Apple, which address the integer overflow conditions in launchd's memory management routines. System administrators should prioritize immediate deployment of iOS 7.1.2, macOS 10.9.4, and Apple TV 6.1.2 updates to remediate this vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should implement network monitoring solutions to detect suspicious application installations and execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust input validation and memory safety practices in system-level components, particularly those that handle untrusted data from user applications. Security professionals should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and enhanced sandboxing measures to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities, even when they are present in the system. The flaw demonstrates how critical system components like launchd require rigorous security testing and validation to prevent exploitation scenarios that could compromise entire operating systems.