CVE-2015-5896 in Watch
Summary
by MITRE
The kernel in Apple iOS before 9 allows local users to gain privileges or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-5868 and CVE-2015-5903.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical kernel-level flaw in Apple iOS versions prior to 9.0, affecting the core operating system functionality and presenting significant security implications for mobile device users. The vulnerability exists within the kernel component which serves as the fundamental bridge between hardware and software in iOS devices, making it a prime target for exploitation. The unspecified vectors suggest that the flaw could manifest through multiple attack pathways, potentially involving memory management functions or system call processing within the kernel space. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the system's ability to maintain secure privilege boundaries and can lead to either unauthorized privilege escalation or system instability.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under memory corruption issues that are commonly classified as CWE-122, which deals with buffer overflow conditions in kernel space. Such flaws typically occur when the kernel fails to properly validate input parameters or manage memory allocations, allowing malicious code to manipulate kernel structures or overwrite critical system data. The vulnerability's classification as a local privilege escalation issue means that an attacker with limited user access could potentially elevate their privileges to system-level access, gaining complete control over device functions and access to all stored data. The memory corruption aspect indicates that the kernel's memory management mechanisms are susceptible to being manipulated in ways that could lead to system crashes or arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass serious data compromise and system control issues. When local users can exploit this flaw, they gain the ability to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, potentially allowing them to bypass all security controls implemented by iOS. This includes access to encrypted data, communication channels, and system-level functions that should remain protected. The vulnerability's relationship to other CVEs such as CVE-2015-5868 and CVE-2015-5903 demonstrates that Apple was addressing multiple interconnected kernel flaws in the same release, indicating a broader security gap in iOS kernel implementation. The memory corruption aspects could lead to unpredictable system behavior, making the device potentially unstable or unusable until the vulnerability is patched.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates to iOS 9.0 or later versions, as Apple released security patches specifically addressing this kernel flaw. Organizations and individuals should prioritize updating their iOS devices to prevent exploitation, as the vulnerability can be leveraged by malicious applications or through compromised user accounts. Network administrators should monitor for any signs of exploitation attempts and consider implementing additional security controls such as mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and prevent unauthorized modifications to iOS systems. The ATT&CK framework categorizes such vulnerabilities under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting kernel-level access and system integrity compromise. Security professionals should also consider conducting vulnerability assessments to identify any devices running unsupported iOS versions that may be vulnerable to similar kernel-level exploits, as these issues often represent broader architectural weaknesses that could be exploited by advanced persistent threats.