CVE-2015-3723 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
CoreGraphics in Apple iOS before 8.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted ICC profile in a PDF document, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-3724.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/02/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-3723 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Apple iOS CoreGraphics framework affecting versions prior to 8.4. This security weakness resides in how the system processes ICC color profile data embedded within PDF documents, creating a potential attack vector for remote code execution or denial of service conditions. The vulnerability specifically manifests when iOS attempts to parse and render color profiles that have been maliciously crafted to exploit memory handling mechanisms within the CoreGraphics component. The attack scenario involves an adversary constructing a PDF document containing a specially designed ICC profile that, when processed by the iOS system, triggers unpredictable memory behavior leading to system compromise or service disruption.
This vulnerability operates at the intersection of graphics processing and memory management within Apple's mobile operating system, where the CoreGraphics framework handles color space transformations and rendering operations. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and memory boundary checking when processing ICC profiles, which are standardized color management data structures used to ensure consistent color representation across different devices and applications. The technical implementation allows attackers to manipulate memory layout through crafted profile data, potentially overwriting critical system memory regions or triggering heap corruption that can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow scenarios, both of which are common attack patterns in mobile operating system exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-3723 extends beyond simple denial of service to include full system compromise capabilities, as demonstrated by the potential for remote code execution. Mobile devices running affected iOS versions become vulnerable to attacks that can be initiated through standard PDF document delivery mechanisms, including email attachments, web downloads, or malicious file sharing platforms. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that PDF documents are commonly encountered in enterprise environments, personal communication channels, and public networks, making the exploitation vector highly accessible to threat actors. Security professionals must consider this vulnerability as part of broader mobile threat landscapes, where similar memory corruption issues have been documented in various operating system components and have been frequently exploited in advanced persistent threat campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-3723 primarily focus on immediate system updates and proactive security measures. The most effective solution involves upgrading affected iOS devices to version 8.4 or later, which includes patched CoreGraphics handling and improved ICC profile validation mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management protocols to ensure all mobile devices within their network are updated promptly. Additional defensive measures include deploying PDF content filtering solutions that can identify and quarantine suspicious documents, implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts, and establishing mobile device management policies that enforce automatic update mechanisms. Security teams should also consider the ATT&CK framework's T1203 technique for bypassing security measures, as attackers may attempt to exploit this vulnerability to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within compromised systems. The vulnerability underscores the importance of regular security assessments and continuous monitoring of mobile device configurations to prevent exploitation of similar memory corruption issues that may arise in other system components.