CVE-2015-7056 in Xcode
Summary
by MITRE
IDE SCM in Apple Xcode before 7.2 does not recognize .gitignore files, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information in opportunistic circumstances by leveraging the presence of a file matching an ignore pattern.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7056 affects Apple Xcode versions prior to 7.2 and relates to the Integrated Development Environment's Source Code Management system. This flaw represents a critical security oversight in how Xcode handles version control file patterns, specifically the .gitignore configuration files that developers use to exclude sensitive data from source control repositories. The issue stems from the IDE's failure to properly interpret and respect the standard gitignore patterns that developers rely upon to protect confidential information such as API keys, database credentials, and other sensitive configuration data. When Xcode encounters files that match patterns defined in .gitignore, it should automatically exclude them from version control operations, but this functionality was broken in affected versions, creating a significant security gap.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through opportunistic attacks where remote adversaries can leverage the IDE's inability to properly handle ignore patterns. Attackers can craft malicious files that match common ignore patterns such as those targeting configuration files, credential files, or temporary build artifacts. When developers use the affected Xcode versions, these files may inadvertently be included in version control operations, exposing sensitive information to unauthorized parties. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of source code management practices and development environment security, where the standard security controls implemented by git and .gitignore files are bypassed through IDE-level flaws. The issue particularly affects teams that rely on Xcode's integrated source control features and do not perform manual verification of file inclusion in version control operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-7056 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can lead to comprehensive credential exposure and sensitive data leakage across development environments. Organizations using affected Xcode versions face increased risk of data breaches when developers commit sensitive files that should have been automatically excluded from source repositories. This vulnerability particularly affects mobile application development teams who often include environment-specific configuration files, API keys, and other sensitive data within their codebases. The security implications align with CWE-542 which addresses the introduction of information exposure through improper handling of sensitive data in software development environments. The vulnerability also intersects with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 related to credentials in files, as it enables adversaries to obtain sensitive information that would normally be protected by standard version control practices.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-7056 require immediate action to upgrade affected Xcode installations to version 7.2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to properly recognize and respect .gitignore patterns. Organizations should implement comprehensive security awareness training for development teams to ensure proper understanding of version control security practices and the importance of manual verification when working with sensitive data. Additional protective measures include implementing automated code review processes that scan for sensitive information in version control commits, establishing mandatory security checks in continuous integration pipelines, and configuring repository-level protections to prevent accidental inclusion of sensitive files. Security teams should also conduct regular audits of source code repositories to identify any previously exposed sensitive data and implement proper access controls for version control systems to limit exposure even when vulnerabilities exist. The fix addresses fundamental security controls that are essential for maintaining the confidentiality of development environments and protecting against information leakage through improper source code management practices.