CVE-2015-1114 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
The Sandbox Profiles component in Apple iOS before 8.3 and Apple TV before 7.2 allows attackers to discover hardware identifiers via a crafted app.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1114 resides within Apple's Sandbox Profiles implementation across iOS versions prior to 8.3 and Apple TV versions prior to 7.2. This security flaw represents a significant privacy and security concern as it enables malicious actors to extract sensitive hardware identifiers from devices through carefully constructed applications. The issue fundamentally stems from insufficient sandboxing controls that should have prevented unauthorized access to device-specific information. The sandboxing mechanism in Apple's operating systems is designed to isolate applications from each other and from system resources, but this particular vulnerability created an avenue for bypassing these protective boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits weaknesses in how Apple's sandbox profiles handle hardware identifier access permissions. Attackers can craft malicious applications that leverage improper access controls to obtain device-specific identifiers such as unique device identifiers, serial numbers, and other hardware-specific information. These identifiers can then be used for tracking purposes, device fingerprinting, or as part of larger attack vectors targeting individual users or devices. The flaw essentially allows unauthorized data exfiltration through legitimate application interfaces that should have been restricted by sandboxing policies. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-255, which addresses issues related to improper handling of access control mechanisms, and specifically relates to improper privilege management within sandboxed environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, creating potential risks for user privacy and device security. When attackers successfully exploit this flaw, they gain access to hardware identifiers that can be used to create persistent tracking mechanisms across different applications and services. This capability undermines the fundamental security model that sandboxed applications should operate under, where access to system resources should be strictly controlled and limited to what is necessary for application functionality. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Apple devices and operating systems, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where device tracking and user privacy are critical considerations. The attack surface is expanded because the flaw exists in core system components that are integral to the operating system's security architecture.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1114 primarily focus on updating affected systems to versions that contain the necessary security patches. Apple released iOS 8.3 and Apple TV 7.2 updates that address this vulnerability by strengthening sandbox profile enforcement and tightening access controls for hardware identifiers. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected devices receive the security updates promptly. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious application behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include verification that devices are running patched versions and that no unauthorized applications are attempting to access hardware identifiers. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security configurations and highlights the need for continuous security assessment of system components, particularly those handling sensitive user data and device identifiers. The flaw serves as a reminder of the critical nature of sandboxing controls and the potential consequences when these mechanisms fail to properly enforce access restrictions.