CVE-2015-1111 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
Safari in Apple iOS before 8.3 does not delete Recently Closed Tabs data in response to a history-clearing action, which allows attackers to obtain sensitive information by reading a history file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1111 represents a significant privacy and security flaw within Apple iOS Safari browser implementations prior to version 8.3. This issue stems from inadequate handling of user privacy controls during browsing history management, specifically affecting the Recently Closed Tabs functionality. The flaw demonstrates a critical failure in the browser's data sanitization processes, where sensitive user information remains accessible even after users believe they have cleared their browsing history. The vulnerability affects iOS versions earlier than 8.3, creating a window of exposure for users who may not be aware of the persistent data retention issue.
The technical implementation flaw occurs at the application level within Safari's history management system, where the browser fails to properly purge Recently Closed Tabs data when users initiate history-clearing operations. This represents a violation of proper information sanitization principles and demonstrates a weakness in the browser's data lifecycle management. The vulnerability allows attackers to access previously closed tab information by directly reading the history file, bypassing normal privacy controls that users expect to be effective. From a cybersecurity perspective, this flaw creates an information disclosure vulnerability that could expose sensitive browsing patterns, visited websites, and potentially confidential information accessed through previously closed tabs.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privacy concerns to encompass potential security risks for users handling sensitive information. Attackers could exploit this weakness to reconstruct user browsing sessions, potentially gaining insights into personal activities, business operations, or confidential communications. The vulnerability particularly affects users who rely on private browsing modes or who believe their browsing history has been completely cleared. From an attacker's perspective, this represents a low-effort method for information gathering that could be combined with other reconnaissance activities to build comprehensive profiles of user behavior and online activities. The issue also impacts enterprise security environments where users may inadvertently expose sensitive corporate information through improperly cleared browsing history.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve updating to iOS version 8.3 or later, which addresses the data sanitization flaw through improved history management processes. Users should also be educated about the importance of proper browser security practices and the limitations of basic history clearing operations. Security administrators should consider implementing additional monitoring for unusual access patterns to browsing history data and ensure that users understand the limitations of browser privacy controls. From a compliance standpoint, this vulnerability may impact organizations that must maintain strict data handling procedures, as it represents a failure to properly implement data sanitization requirements. The issue aligns with CWE-200 (Information Exposure) and could be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1005 (Data from Local System) as it involves unauthorized access to stored browsing data. Organizations should also implement regular security assessments to identify similar data retention vulnerabilities in other browser applications and web-based systems.