CVE-2015-5832 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
The iTunes Store component in Apple iOS before 9 does not properly delete AppleID credentials from the keychain upon a signout action, which might allow physically proximate attackers to obtain sensitive information via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-5832 represents a critical credential management flaw within Apple iOS versions prior to 9.0, specifically affecting the iTunes Store component's handling of AppleID authentication credentials. This issue stems from improper keychain cleanup procedures during user signout operations, creating a persistent security risk that can be exploited by attackers with physical proximity to affected devices. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental failure in secure credential disposal practices that undermines the integrity of the device's authentication system.
The technical flaw manifests in the iTunes Store application's failure to completely remove AppleID credentials from the iOS keychain upon user signout. This behavior creates a persistent credential cache that remains accessible to attackers who can physically access the device. The keychain in iOS serves as a secure storage mechanism for authentication tokens, passwords, and other sensitive credentials, and the improper cleanup means that even after a legitimate signout process, authentication material persists in the system. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-200, which addresses improper exposure of sensitive information, and more specifically relates to CWE-522, which covers insufficiently protected credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it creates opportunities for unauthorized access to Apple accounts and associated services. Attackers with physical proximity can potentially exploit this weakness to gain access to email accounts, iCloud data, purchased content, and other Apple services linked to the compromised AppleID. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates silently without user awareness, and the attack vector requires minimal sophistication beyond physical access to the device. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers credential access through physical access to systems, and T1552, which addresses the exploitation of credentials stored in memory or keychains.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-5832 primarily focus on immediate system updates to iOS 9.0 or later versions where Apple addressed this specific credential management issue. Users should also implement additional protective measures including enabling strong device passcodes, configuring automatic lock timeouts, and utilizing biometric authentication where available. Security administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all affected iOS devices within their environments and ensure timely deployment of the iOS 9.0 update. Organizations should also consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and monitor for unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper credential lifecycle management and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws can create significant security risks in mobile operating systems.