CVE-2015-7004 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
The kernel in Apple iOS before 9.1 allows attackers to cause a denial of service via a crafted app.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/24/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7004 represents a critical denial of service flaw within Apple iOS kernel components affecting versions prior to 9.1. This vulnerability resides in the core operating system kernel which serves as the fundamental layer managing system resources and providing essential services to applications. The flaw enables malicious actors to craft specially designed applications that can trigger unexpected behavior in the kernel, potentially leading to system instability and complete service disruption. The vulnerability specifically targets the kernel's handling of certain application requests or system calls, creating a scenario where legitimate system operations can be interrupted or terminated.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper validation or handling of input parameters within kernel space operations. Attackers can exploit this weakness by developing malicious applications that deliberately send malformed or unexpected data to kernel functions. When the kernel processes these crafted inputs, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the data, leading to unpredictable behavior that can cause system crashes or complete system hangs. This type of vulnerability typically falls under the category of improper input validation as classified by CWE-20, where the system fails to properly validate or sanitize input data before processing it. The kernel's failure to handle edge cases or malformed inputs creates an attack surface that can be exploited to disrupt normal system operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-7004 extends beyond simple system crashes, potentially enabling more sophisticated attack vectors that could compromise user data or system integrity. When a denial of service occurs in kernel space, it affects the entire system rather than just individual applications, making the impact more severe and far-reaching. Users may experience complete system lockups, requiring manual restarts or even complete device recovery procedures. The vulnerability can be particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where system availability is critical, or in scenarios where users rely on their devices for mission-critical operations. The attack can be executed remotely through app distribution channels, making it difficult to prevent without proper system updates or application vetting procedures.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability focus primarily on timely patching and system updates as recommended by Apple. Users should immediately upgrade to iOS 9.1 or later versions where the vulnerability has been addressed through kernel-level code modifications and enhanced input validation procedures. Security professionals should implement application whitelisting policies to prevent installation of untrusted applications that could exploit this vulnerability. Network administrators should monitor for suspicious application installations and maintain updated threat intelligence regarding malicious apps that may leverage this kernel flaw. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of kernel-level security hardening and proper input validation practices, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1489 which covers system shutdown/reboot via service or kernel manipulation. Organizations should also consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and automatically update devices to prevent exploitation of known kernel vulnerabilities.