CVE-2014-4489 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
IOHIDFamily in Apple iOS before 8.1.3, Apple OS X before 10.10.2, and Apple TV before 7.0.3 does not properly initialize event queues, which allows attackers to execute arbitrary code in a privileged context or cause a denial of service (NULL pointer dereference) via a crafted app.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4489 resides within the IOHIDFamily component of Apple's operating systems, affecting iOS versions prior to 8.1.3, macOS versions before 10.10.2, and Apple TV software before 7.0.3. This flaw represents a critical security issue that stems from improper initialization of event queues within the hardware input subsystem, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's privilege model. The IOHIDFamily serves as a core component responsible for handling human interface device events including keyboard, mouse, and touch input across Apple's ecosystem, making it a prime target for attackers seeking elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a NULL pointer dereference condition that occurs when event queues are not properly initialized before being processed. When a malicious application attempts to interact with the input subsystem, the system fails to validate the queue initialization state, leading to a situation where a NULL pointer is accessed during event processing. This improper state management creates an opportunity for arbitrary code execution within the kernel context, as the system attempts to process events through an uninitialized data structure. The flaw operates at a fundamental level of system architecture, leveraging the trust placed in legitimate input processing routines to escalate privileges without proper authentication or authorization checks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass both remote code execution and denial of service capabilities. Attackers can craft malicious applications that, when executed, trigger the NULL pointer dereference condition and subsequently gain access to kernel-level privileges, enabling them to perform actions such as installing malicious software, modifying system files, or accessing sensitive data. Additionally, the vulnerability can be exploited to cause system crashes or reboots through denial of service attacks, disrupting normal system operations and potentially affecting device availability. The privilege escalation aspect of this vulnerability is particularly concerning as it allows attackers to bypass normal security boundaries that typically protect the kernel from user-space applications, representing a complete breakdown in the system's security model.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-4489 focus primarily on applying the vendor-provided security updates that address the improper queue initialization logic within IOHIDFamily. Apple's release of iOS 8.1.3, macOS 10.10.2, and Apple TV 7.0.3 included patches that properly initialize event queues before processing input events, eliminating the NULL pointer dereference condition. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive the necessary updates promptly. Network administrators should monitor for suspicious application behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, while security teams should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized apps from accessing the input subsystem. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-476 which describes NULL pointer dereference conditions, and represents a typical example of how improper initialization can lead to privilege escalation attacks. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting kernel-level access through system component exploitation, highlighting the critical nature of maintaining proper system initialization and validation processes.