CVE-2015-7070 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-2015-7069.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2015-7070 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within Apple's GPUTools Framework, specifically affecting iOS versions prior to 9.2. This issue resides in the Mobile Replayer component, which is designed to handle graphics processing and rendering operations within the mobile operating system. The vulnerability manifests when the system processes crafted pathnames through the GPUTools Framework, creating an execution path that allows unprivileged applications to gain elevated privileges. This flaw operates in conjunction with but distinct from CVE-2015-7069, indicating a broader class of vulnerabilities within the GPUTools Framework that could potentially be exploited by malicious actors. The Mobile Replayer component serves as a critical interface between graphics applications and the underlying GPU hardware, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to bypass system security controls. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows attackers to execute arbitrary code within a privileged context, effectively elevating their execution rights from standard application level to system level privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the GPUTools Framework's Mobile Replayer component. When an application provides a specially crafted pathname to the framework, the system fails to properly sanitize or validate the input before processing it through the graphics pipeline. This lack of proper validation creates a path traversal or injection vulnerability that can be exploited to manipulate the framework's behavior. The crafted pathname likely contains sequences or characters that, when interpreted by the Mobile Replayer, trigger unintended code execution within the privileged context of the GPUTools Framework. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and CWE-121, which covers stack-based buffer overflow conditions. The flaw represents a classic case of insufficient privilege separation, where the boundary between user-space applications and privileged system components becomes compromised through improper handling of user-provided data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to gain system-level privileges that would normally be restricted to trusted system processes. Once exploited, an attacker could potentially access sensitive system resources, modify critical system files, install malicious applications, or even disable security mechanisms. The privilege escalation capability makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in mobile environments where users often trust applications with access to personal data, location services, and communication capabilities. The attack vector requires an application to be installed on the target device, making it a form of supply chain attack or social engineering target, where users might be tricked into installing a malicious application that contains the crafted pathname. This vulnerability would be classified under ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation, and T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter, as the exploitation would likely involve executing commands within the privileged context.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-7070 focus primarily on updating to iOS 9.2 or later versions where Apple has implemented proper input validation and privilege separation mechanisms within the GPUTools Framework. System administrators and security teams should prioritize patching affected devices, as the vulnerability provides a direct path to system compromise. Additional defensive measures include implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict which applications can be installed on devices, monitoring for unusual system behavior that might indicate privilege escalation attempts, and maintaining regular security assessments of mobile device environments. Organizations should also consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can automatically enforce security policies and ensure timely patch deployment. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation in system frameworks and demonstrates the critical need for privilege separation in mobile operating systems. Security professionals should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments focusing on graphics and multimedia frameworks, as these components often represent attack surfaces that are frequently overlooked in traditional security testing approaches.