CVE-2015-7069 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
Mobile Replayer in GPUTools Framework in Apple iOS before 9.2 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code in a privileged context via an app that provides a crafted pathname, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-7070.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7069 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within Apple iOS versions prior to 9.2, specifically affecting the GPUTools Framework's Mobile Replayer component. This vulnerability resides in the kernel-level subsystem responsible for processing graphics-related operations and provides attackers with a pathway to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The flaw manifests when the system processes a crafted pathname within an application context, allowing malicious actors to bypass normal security boundaries and gain unauthorized access to privileged system resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the Mobile Replayer functionality of the GPUTools Framework. When an application provides a specially crafted pathname to the framework, the system fails to properly sanitize or validate the input before processing it within a privileged execution context. This inadequate validation creates a path traversal or injection vulnerability that can be exploited to manipulate the framework's behavior and execute malicious code with kernel-level privileges. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-20 as a weakness in input validation, specifically involving improper handling of pathnames and file references within system-level components. The attack vector involves a malicious application that leverages the framework's processing capabilities to achieve privilege escalation.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-7069 extends beyond simple code execution, as it enables attackers to gain complete control over affected iOS devices. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows unauthorized access to sensitive system resources, including the ability to read and modify protected files, access user data, and potentially install additional malicious software. This privilege escalation capability makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be used to bypass the sandboxing mechanisms that normally protect user applications from accessing system resources. The vulnerability affects all iOS versions prior to 9.2, making it a widespread concern across numerous device generations and creating a significant attack surface for threat actors. The flaw operates at a level that can be exploited through legitimate applications, making detection and prevention more challenging as the attack appears to originate from trusted software sources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-7069 primarily involve upgrading to iOS 9.2 or later versions where Apple has implemented proper input validation and privilege control mechanisms. System administrators and users should prioritize immediate patching of affected devices to eliminate the vulnerability exposure. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of untrusted applications, monitoring for suspicious pathname handling within system processes, and conducting regular security assessments of mobile device environments. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in system-level components and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of framework-level functionalities. Organizations should also consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and monitor for potential exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and can be used to establish persistent access to target systems. The vulnerability represents a classic example of how improper input validation in system frameworks can lead to critical security compromises, emphasizing the need for robust security controls in mobile operating system architectures.