CVE-2015-1087 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Backup in Apple iOS before 8.3 allows attackers to read arbitrary files via a crafted relative path.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2022
The directory traversal vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1087 affects Apple iOS versions prior to 8.3, specifically within the backup functionality of the operating system. This flaw enables malicious actors to exploit weaknesses in how the system processes file paths during backup operations, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive data stored on affected devices. The vulnerability resides in the method by which iOS handles relative path references during backup processes, creating an opportunity for attackers to navigate beyond intended directories and access files that should remain protected.
This technical flaw represents a classic directory traversal attack vector where the backup mechanism fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied path information. When users attempt to back up their devices, the system processes relative path references without adequate input validation, allowing attackers to manipulate these paths through crafted sequences that can traverse upward through the directory structure. The vulnerability specifically impacts how the backup system interprets and processes file paths, creating a pathway for arbitrary file reading capabilities. According to CWE classification, this corresponds to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-1087 extends beyond simple file access, as it can potentially expose sensitive user data including personal documents, photos, messages, and application data that may contain confidential information. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to extract private keys, credentials, or other sensitive materials stored within the device's backup archives. The implications are particularly severe given that iOS backup functionality often includes comprehensive data collection from various applications and system components, making the attack surface quite extensive. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002, which covers data from information repositories, as attackers can systematically extract valuable data from compromised devices.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected iOS versions to 8.3 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization of path references within the backup subsystem. Organizations should also implement additional security controls such as restricting backup access to authorized personnel only, monitoring backup operations for unusual path traversal patterns, and ensuring that backup data is encrypted both in transit and at rest. System administrators should conduct regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other backup systems and applications, as this type of flaw often indicates broader input validation issues that may exist in other components of the system architecture. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and the potential for seemingly minor implementation flaws to create significant security risks across entire operating system functionalities.