CVE-2015-7006 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the BOM (aka Bill of Materials) component in Apple iOS before 9.1, OS X before 10.11.1, and watchOS before 2.0.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted CPIO archive.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/24/2022
The CVE-2015-7006 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within Apple's Bill of Materials component that affected multiple operating systems including iOS versions prior to 9.1, OS X versions before 10.11.1, and watchOS versions before 2.0.1. This vulnerability resides in the handling of CPIO (Cpio Archive) files which are commonly used for packaging and distributing software components. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by crafting malicious CPIO archives that can manipulate file extraction paths beyond the intended directory boundaries. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates at the file system level where improper input validation enables attackers to bypass normal security restrictions and potentially gain unauthorized access to system resources. The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic path traversal attack vector where the BOM component fails to properly sanitize file paths contained within the CPIO archive structure. This weakness aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses directory traversal vulnerabilities, and represents a fundamental flaw in input validation mechanisms within Apple's software distribution frameworks. The security implications extend beyond simple file access as the ability to execute arbitrary code through this vector could enable attackers to escalate privileges, install malicious software, or compromise the entire system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations and individual users who may unknowingly download or process compromised CPIO archives from untrusted sources. Attackers can exploit this flaw by constructing malicious archives that contain specially crafted file paths designed to traverse directories and write files to sensitive system locations. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not need physical access to devices or local network presence to initiate attacks, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where software distribution occurs through various channels. When combined with other attack vectors, this vulnerability could enable full system compromise through techniques such as privilege escalation or persistent backdoor installation. The flaw affects Apple's software update and installation processes where BOM components are used to track and manage file installations, creating multiple potential attack surfaces. This vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly routine file processing operations can become critical security risks when proper input validation and path sanitization mechanisms are absent. The attack surface is particularly broad given that CPIO archives are commonly used in software distribution, system updates, and backup operations across Apple's ecosystem.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-7006 require immediate patching of affected systems to the latest available versions of iOS, OS X, and watchOS. Organizations should implement strict content filtering and validation procedures for all software distribution channels, particularly those involving CPIO archives or similar packaging formats. Network administrators should consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify and block suspicious CPIO archive traffic patterns. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 highlights the importance of monitoring for unusual code execution patterns and implementing application whitelisting controls to prevent unauthorized binary execution. System administrators should also conduct thorough security audits of all software distribution points and implement multi-layered validation processes that verify the integrity and authenticity of all CPIO archives before processing. Regular security assessments of Apple's software update mechanisms and BOM processing components are essential to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of downloading software from untrusted sources and the importance of keeping operating systems updated remains crucial in defending against this class of attack. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation and path sanitization in preventing directory traversal attacks, particularly in system-level components responsible for software installation and management processes.