CVE-2015-7038 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in libc in Apple iOS before 9.2, OS X before 10.11.2, tvOS before 9.1, and watchOS before 2.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted package, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-7039.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/14/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the standard C library implementation on Apple's operating systems, specifically affecting iOS versions prior to 9.2, macOS versions before 10.11.2, tvOS versions before 9.1, and watchOS versions before 2.1. The issue arises from improper bounds checking during package processing operations, creating a condition where maliciously crafted packages can trigger memory corruption. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a buffer overflow in heap-based memory, where insufficient validation allows attackers to write beyond allocated buffer boundaries. This type of flaw directly enables arbitrary code execution, making it particularly dangerous for remote exploitation scenarios.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the system processes a specially crafted package that contains malicious data exceeding the allocated buffer size. Attackers can leverage this condition to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow or injecting malicious code into the target system's memory space. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it operates over remote networks, allowing threat actors to deliver malicious packages through various channels including email attachments, web downloads, or network shares. This vulnerability demonstrates the classic characteristics of a heap-based buffer overflow that can be exploited through the use of controlled input data to manipulate program execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-7038 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential system compromise and data breach scenarios. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain elevated privileges within the affected systems, potentially leading to complete system takeover. The vulnerability's presence across multiple Apple platforms including mobile devices, desktop computers, and television systems creates a broad attack surface that threat actors can leverage for various malicious purposes. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation can enable persistent access to target systems. The vulnerability also maps to the ATT&CK tactic T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, since the buffer overflow can be used to execute code with elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates to the patched versions of Apple's operating systems, as the official patches address the underlying buffer overflow conditions through proper bounds checking and memory management. System administrators should prioritize patching across all affected platforms including iOS devices, macOS computers, tvOS set-top boxes, and watchOS smartwatches. Additional protective measures include network segmentation to limit exposure, implementation of network monitoring to detect suspicious package processing activities, and regular security assessments to identify potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also implement application whitelisting to prevent execution of unauthorized packages and maintain detailed logging of system processes to detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in system libraries, which are fundamental requirements for maintaining software security and preventing remote code execution vulnerabilities.