CVE-2015-7039 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-2015-7038.
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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 across multiple Apple operating systems. The issue manifests in the libc component which serves as the foundation for many system operations and application interactions. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious packages that trigger the overflow when processed by the affected systems. The vulnerability specifically affects iOS versions prior to 9.2, macOS versions before 10.11.2, tvOS before 9.1, and watchOS before 2.1, indicating a widespread impact across Apple's ecosystem. Unlike CVE-2015-7038 which addresses a similar class of vulnerabilities, this particular flaw demonstrates the persistent nature of buffer overflow issues in system libraries that can be leveraged for remote code execution.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs within the memory management functions of libc where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. When a crafted package is processed, the malicious data exceeds the allocated buffer space, causing memory corruption that can be manipulated to redirect program execution flow. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121 which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, though the exploitation may also involve heap-based techniques given the complexity of modern memory management. The flaw demonstrates how improper input validation in system libraries can create pathways for attackers to gain unauthorized code execution privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system compromise as it enables remote code execution without requiring physical access or user interaction. Attackers can deliver malicious packages through various network channels including email attachments, web downloads, or package repositories, making the attack surface extremely broad. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows adversaries to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The widespread nature of the affected platforms means that organizations with Apple devices across their network infrastructure face significant risk, particularly in enterprise environments where these systems are commonly deployed.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of all affected systems through official Apple security updates. Organizations should prioritize deployment of iOS 9.2, macOS 10.11.2, tvOS 9.1, and watchOS 2.1 releases which contain the necessary fixes. Network administrators should implement additional monitoring for suspicious package delivery patterns and consider deploying network segmentation to limit potential attack vectors. Security teams should also review system configurations to ensure that unnecessary package processing capabilities are disabled where possible. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of patches to prevent compatibility issues while maintaining system security. This vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date system software and demonstrates how fundamental library flaws can create widespread security risks across multiple platforms within a single vendor ecosystem. The attack patterns associated with this vulnerability align with ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation would typically involve executing malicious code through compromised system processes.