CVE-2015-3717 in iTunes
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in the printf functionality in SQLite, as used in Apple iOS before 8.4 and OS X before 10.10.4, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-3717 represents a critical security flaw within SQLite's printf implementation that affected Apple's mobile and desktop operating systems. This issue resides in the core database functionality that numerous applications rely upon for formatted output operations, making it particularly dangerous as it could be exploited across multiple application contexts. The vulnerability specifically targets the buffer overflow conditions that occur during printf processing, which are fundamental operations used for logging, data formatting, and user interface text generation throughout Apple's ecosystem. The affected versions include iOS before 8.4 and OS X before 10.10.4, indicating that a substantial portion of Apple's user base was potentially exposed to this risk. The unspecified vectors suggest that attackers could leverage various entry points to trigger the buffer overflow conditions, making the vulnerability particularly challenging to defend against. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions as a fundamental weakness in software design that can lead to arbitrary code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when SQLite's printf functionality processes malformed input data that exceeds the allocated buffer boundaries. The buffer overflow conditions manifest during the formatting of strings, particularly when handling complex format specifiers or when input data exceeds expected length constraints. Attackers can craft malicious input that forces the printf implementation to write beyond the intended memory boundaries, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including return addresses, function pointers, or other critical program state information. This memory corruption can result in either arbitrary code execution when the corrupted execution flow redirects to attacker-controlled code, or a denial of service condition that causes application crashes. The vulnerability's impact is amplified because SQLite is embedded within numerous Apple applications and system components, meaning that a single exploit could potentially affect multiple applications simultaneously. The nature of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which describes the use of command and scripting interpreters, as the exploitation could occur through crafted database operations that leverage printf functionality.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-3717 extends beyond simple application crashes, as it provides a potential pathway for sophisticated attackers to gain unauthorized access to affected systems. When exploited for arbitrary code execution, this vulnerability could enable attackers to install malicious software, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access to compromised devices. The vulnerability's presence in both iOS and OS X environments means that attackers could potentially target mobile devices and desktop computers with similar exploit techniques, creating a broader attack surface. Organizations using Apple products would face significant risk if they had not applied the relevant security patches, as the vulnerability could be leveraged through various attack vectors including malicious email attachments, compromised websites, or infected applications. The affected versions indicate that this vulnerability existed for a considerable period without detection, suggesting that it could have been actively exploited in the wild before the release of the security patches. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that no user interaction is required for exploitation, making it particularly dangerous as attackers could potentially compromise systems simply by delivering malicious content that triggers the vulnerable printf functionality.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-3717 focus primarily on applying the security updates provided by Apple, which include patches that address the buffer overflow conditions in SQLite's printf implementation. System administrators should prioritize updating iOS devices to version 8.4 or later and OS X systems to version 10.10.4 or later to eliminate the vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts, particularly those involving database operations or printf-related functionality. The vulnerability highlights the importance of keeping database libraries and core system components updated, as these fundamental building blocks of software systems can contain exploitable code that affects numerous applications. Security professionals should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized applications from executing on affected systems, thereby reducing the potential attack surface. Organizations may also want to deploy intrusion detection systems that can identify unusual database query patterns or printf functionality usage that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of software supply chain security, where vulnerabilities in widely-used libraries like SQLite can have cascading effects across entire ecosystems of applications and operating systems. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for outdated database components to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.