CVE-2015-1116 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
The UIKit View component in Apple iOS before 8.3 displays unblurred application snapshots in the Task Switcher, which makes it easier for physically proximate attackers to obtain sensitive information by reading the device screen.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2015-1116 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within Apple iOS operating systems prior to version 8.3. This issue specifically affects the UIKit View component responsible for managing application interfaces and transitions between tasks. The vulnerability manifests when users switch between applications using the Task Switcher functionality, where application snapshots are displayed as thumbnails to facilitate quick access to recently used apps. These snapshots are intended to provide a visual representation of the application state but fail to properly obscure sensitive information when displayed in the task switching interface.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient screen blurring mechanisms within the iOS Task Switcher implementation. When applications are running in the background or have been recently used, iOS creates snapshot representations that are displayed in the task switcher interface. These snapshots contain all visual elements of the application interface including text fields, buttons, navigation elements, and potentially sensitive data that should remain protected. The vulnerability occurs because the blurring effect that should obscure this information is either not applied consistently or is insufficiently applied to prevent unauthorized viewing of application content. This design oversight allows attackers with physical access to the device to observe sensitive information that should remain private.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to create significant security risks for users who may be physically proximate to the device. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by simply observing the screen while the device is in use or after it has been locked, gaining access to potentially sensitive data including personal information, passwords, financial details, and other confidential content that may be visible in the application snapshots. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level and requires no special privileges or network access to exploit. The attack vector is straightforward and can be executed by anyone who has physical access to the device, making it a significant concern for users in public spaces or shared environments where device security is paramount.
The vulnerability aligns with several common weakness enumerations and attack patterns within cybersecurity frameworks. From a CWE perspective, this issue relates to CWE-200: Information Exposure, specifically involving the exposure of sensitive information through improper access control mechanisms. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1552.001: Unsecured Credentials, as it allows attackers to obtain sensitive information that might include authentication data or other credentials visible in the application interface. Additionally, this represents a failure in the principle of least privilege and proper information hiding, as the system does not adequately protect sensitive application data from unauthorized viewing through the task switching interface.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve updating to iOS version 8.3 or later where Apple implemented proper blurring mechanisms for application snapshots in the Task Switcher. Users should maintain their devices with the latest security patches and updates to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities. Organizations should implement comprehensive mobile device management policies that enforce regular updates and security configurations. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as automatic screen locking after periods of inactivity and physical security measures to prevent unauthorized access to devices. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper information protection mechanisms in mobile operating systems and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of user interface components that handle sensitive data.