CVE-2014-1359 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
Integer underflow 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-2014-1359 represents a critical integer underflow flaw within the launchd service component of Apple's operating systems. This issue affects multiple Apple platforms including iOS versions prior to 7.1.2, OS X versions before 10.9.4, and Apple TV versions before 6.1.2. The launchd service serves as the fundamental system service manager in Apple's ecosystem, responsible for initializing and managing system processes during boot and runtime operations. When an integer underflow occurs, the system processes arithmetic operations that result in values smaller than the minimum representable value for the data type, creating unpredictable behavior and potential exploitation vectors.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and arithmetic handling within launchd's code execution paths. Attackers can craft malicious applications that manipulate integer values in such a way that when these values are processed by launchd, they underflow and produce unexpected results. This underflow condition can lead to memory corruption, where the system allocates memory blocks of incorrect sizes or at incorrect memory locations. The flaw specifically impacts the way launchd handles certain parameters during application loading and process initialization, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate the execution flow of the system.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-1359 is severe and far-reaching across Apple's mobile and desktop platforms. Since launchd is a core system component that manages all system services and application launches, successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. This means that malicious applications could potentially gain root access or system-level capabilities that would normally be restricted to authorized system processes. The vulnerability essentially provides a pathway for attackers to bypass normal security boundaries and escalate their privileges within the operating system environment.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-191, which specifically addresses integer underflow conditions in software systems. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that launchd operates at a system level and is responsible for launching and managing critical system processes. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, where attackers leverage system-level flaws to gain elevated access rights. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it requires minimal user interaction beyond installing a malicious application, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may unknowingly install compromised software.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-1359 primarily focus on immediate system updates and patches provided by Apple. Users should immediately upgrade to the affected versions that contain the necessary security fixes, specifically iOS 7.1.2, OS X 10.9.4, and Apple TV 6.1.2. Additionally, system administrators should implement strict application vetting processes and maintain comprehensive monitoring of system processes to detect any anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and application whitelisting policies can further reduce the risk surface by limiting the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing behavioral analysis tools that can detect unusual memory allocation patterns or process execution anomalies that might indicate integer underflow exploitation attempts.