CVE-2015-1102 in Watch OS
Summary
by MITRE
The kernel in Apple iOS before 8.3, Apple OS X before 10.10.3, and Apple TV before 7.2 does not properly handle TCP headers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to cause a denial of service via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1102 represents a critical flaw in the kernel-level TCP stack implementation across multiple Apple operating systems including iOS versions prior to 8.3, OS X versions before 10.10.3, and Apple TV firmware before version 7.2. This issue stems from inadequate validation of TCP header structures during network packet processing, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's networking capabilities. The vulnerability specifically targets the kernel's handling of TCP headers, which are fundamental components of the Transmission Control Protocol that govern how data flows between networked devices. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate TCP header fields in ways that can disrupt normal network communication patterns, potentially leading to system instability or complete service interruption.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of input data, and specifically relates to buffer overflows or memory corruption issues that can occur when kernel-level network processing routines fail to properly validate header structures. Attackers can leverage this weakness through man-in-the-middle positioning to inject malformed TCP headers that cause the kernel to process unexpected data patterns. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that the attack surface includes multiple potential exploitation methods such as packet fragmentation, header manipulation, or sequence number tampering. These attacks can be executed without requiring authentication or elevated privileges, making them particularly dangerous as they can be launched from remote network positions.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-1102 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it can potentially lead to system crashes, network disruption, and broader service availability issues. The kernel-level nature of the vulnerability means that successful exploitation can cause complete system instability, requiring manual intervention to restore normal operations. Network administrators and security professionals must recognize that this vulnerability operates at a foundational level of the operating system's networking stack, affecting all applications and services that rely on TCP communication. The attack vector allows for persistent disruption of network services, which can be particularly damaging in enterprise environments where network availability is critical. This vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol usage for command and control communications, as attackers can leverage the TCP stack manipulation for more sophisticated attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1102 primarily involve applying the official security patches released by Apple for each affected platform. System administrators should prioritize updating all affected iOS devices, OS X systems, and Apple TV units to their latest supported versions. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions can help detect anomalous TCP header patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Implementing proper firewall rules and TCP stack hardening measures can provide additional layers of protection against malformed header attacks. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious TCP header modifications and alert security teams to potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date system patches and highlights the need for comprehensive network monitoring to detect and respond to kernel-level exploits that can affect fundamental operating system functions.