CVE-2015-1062 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
MobileStorageMounter in Apple iOS before 8.2 and Apple TV before 7.1 does not delete invalid disk-image folders, which allows attackers to create folders in arbitrary filesystem locations via a crafted app.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/15/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1062 resides within the MobileStorageMounter component of Apple's iOS and Apple TV operating systems, specifically affecting versions prior to 8.2 and 7.1 respectively. This flaw represents a critical directory traversal and arbitrary file system manipulation vulnerability that stems from improper handling of disk image mounting operations. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as an Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, commonly known as Path Traversal, which allows attackers to access or manipulate files and directories outside of the intended scope.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the MobileStorageMounter component processes disk image files without adequately validating or sanitizing the paths associated with these images. When a malicious application attempts to mount a crafted disk image, the system fails to properly clean up or delete invalid disk-image folders that may contain malicious path references. This improper cleanup mechanism creates a scenario where attackers can leverage the system's failure to properly manage temporary file structures to write or modify files in arbitrary locations on the filesystem. The vulnerability essentially allows an attacker to bypass normal file system access controls by exploiting the improper handling of temporary mount points and disk image directories.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary file system operations without proper authorization. An attacker could potentially create malicious files in system directories, modify existing applications, or even inject code into the operating system's core components. This vulnerability can be exploited through a specially crafted application that triggers the disk image mounting process with malicious path specifications. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level, potentially allowing for privilege escalation and persistent access to the device. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited across multiple device types, including mobile devices and set-top boxes, making it a widespread concern for Apple's ecosystem.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1062 primarily focus on upgrading affected systems to versions that contain the necessary security patches, specifically iOS 8.2 and Apple TV 7.1 or later. Apple's patch addresses the core issue by implementing proper validation and cleanup mechanisms for disk image folders during the mounting process. Organizations and individuals should also implement application whitelisting policies to prevent the installation and execution of untrusted applications that could exploit this vulnerability. Network monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect suspicious file system activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and temporary file handling in system-level components, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1078.004 for Valid Accounts. Security professionals should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely deployment of security updates and maintain compliance with industry standards such as NIST SP 800-53 controls for system and information integrity.