CVE-2015-5882 in Watch
Summary
by MITRE
The processor_set_tasks API implementation in Apple iOS before 9 allows local users to bypass an entitlement protection mechanism and obtain access to the task ports of arbitrary processes by leveraging root privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2015-5882 represents a critical entitlement bypass flaw within Apple iOS operating systems prior to version 9. This issue resides in the processor_set_tasks API implementation, which serves as a core system interface for managing process scheduling and resource allocation within the Mach microkernel architecture that underpins iOS. The flaw allows local attackers with root privileges to circumvent the intended access controls that should prevent unauthorized processes from accessing the task ports of other processes, effectively undermining the fundamental security boundaries that isolate applications and system services.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper validation within the processor_set_tasks API implementation where the system fails to properly verify entitlements before granting access to task port information. This represents a classic case of insufficient privilege checking and access control enforcement, which can be categorized under CWE-284 Access Control Issues. When an attacker with root access exploits this vulnerability, they can enumerate and manipulate task ports belonging to other processes, potentially enabling them to monitor, modify, or terminate arbitrary processes without proper authorization. The attack vector leverages the existing root privileges to bypass the normal entitlement protection mechanisms that should restrict such access to only authorized system components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform sophisticated process manipulation and potentially escalate privileges further. By accessing task ports of other processes, an attacker could potentially inject code into running processes, monitor sensitive communications between applications and system services, or even cause system instability through process termination. This vulnerability particularly affects the security model of iOS by undermining the principle of least privilege and allowing unauthorized access to system resources that should remain protected. The implications are especially severe in environments where iOS devices handle sensitive data or serve as part of critical infrastructure components, as this flaw could enable persistent access to system resources and facilitate further attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-5882 focus primarily on upgrading to iOS version 9 or later, which includes the necessary patches to address the entitlement bypass mechanism. System administrators should also implement additional monitoring for unusual process activity and task port access patterns, as these could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper entitlement validation in kernel-level APIs and demonstrates the critical need for comprehensive access control checks even within privileged execution contexts. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security measures such as process isolation, code integrity verification, and regular security audits to reduce the attack surface and prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future. This issue serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the potential consequences of failing to address kernel-level vulnerabilities that could provide attackers with elevated privileges and system access.