CVE-2014-4388 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
IOKit in Apple iOS before 8 and Apple TV before 7 does not properly validate IODataQueue object metadata, which allows attackers to execute arbitrary code in a privileged context via an application that provides crafted values in unspecified metadata fields, a different vulnerability than CVE-2014-4418.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4388 resides within the IOKit framework of Apple's operating systems, specifically affecting iOS versions prior to 8 and Apple TV versions prior to 7. This issue represents a critical flaw in the kernel-level device driver infrastructure that governs hardware interaction within these platforms. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the IODataQueue object metadata handling, creating a pathway for malicious code execution with elevated privileges. IOKit serves as the foundational framework for hardware abstraction and device management in Apple's ecosystem, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it operates at a privileged kernel level rather than in user-space applications.
The technical flaw manifests when applications attempt to provide crafted metadata values to IODataQueue objects, which are designed to manage data transfer between kernel and user-space components. The insufficient validation allows attackers to manipulate metadata fields in ways that bypass normal security checks and access control mechanisms. This vulnerability operates under CWE-125, which classifies it as an out-of-bounds read condition, though the specific implementation allows for privilege escalation rather than simple data corruption. The flaw enables attackers to execute arbitrary code within the kernel context, effectively granting them complete system control without requiring user interaction or physical access to the device. This represents a classic example of a kernel-level exploit that leverages improper input validation to gain elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the security model of Apple's mobile and television operating systems. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can bypass the standard security boundaries that separate user applications from system-level processes, potentially enabling full system compromise. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Apple devices including iPhones, iPads, and Apple TV units, making it particularly concerning for organizations and individuals who rely on these platforms for sensitive operations. The attack vector requires only a malicious application to be installed and executed, as the vulnerability exists within the system's core device management infrastructure rather than requiring complex exploitation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-4388 focus primarily on system updates and patches provided by Apple to address the underlying IOKit validation issues. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of iOS 8 and Apple TV 7 updates to remediate this vulnerability. Additionally, security administrators should implement application whitelisting policies to prevent installation of untrusted applications that might exploit this vulnerability. The mitigation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Local Privilege Escalation' through kernel exploits, and reflects the need for comprehensive patch management strategies. Network monitoring should also be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on unusual IOKit kernel interactions and data queue operations that might indicate exploitation activity. Security teams should also consider implementing device integrity monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized modifications to system frameworks that could enable exploitation of this class of vulnerabilities.