CVE-2015-7111 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
The IOHIDFamily API in Apple iOS before 9.2, OS X before 10.11.2, tvOS before 9.1, and watchOS before 2.1 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code in a privileged context or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted app, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-7112.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2024
The IOHIDFamily API in Apple operating systems represents a critical component responsible for handling human interface device communications including keyboards, mice, and other input peripherals. This subsystem operates within kernel space and maintains privileged access to system resources, making it a prime target for attackers seeking elevation of privileges or system compromise. The vulnerability CVE-2015-7111 specifically targets memory corruption issues within this API implementation that affects multiple Apple platforms including iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS versions prior to their respective security updates. The flaw manifests when malicious applications attempt to manipulate the API through crafted input sequences that trigger buffer overflows or improper memory handling during device communication processing.
This vulnerability operates at the intersection of kernel-level memory management and device driver interfaces, creating a dangerous attack surface where user-space applications can potentially corrupt kernel memory structures. The memory corruption occurs during the processing of HID device communications, particularly when handling malformed input reports or device descriptors that exceed expected buffer boundaries. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious applications that interact with the IOHIDFamily API in ways that cause memory corruption, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution within the kernel context or system crashes resulting in denial of service conditions. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic improper input validation flaw that allows attackers to bypass normal security boundaries between user and kernel space.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-7111 extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it represents a fundamental breakdown in kernel memory protection mechanisms. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute code with the highest system privileges, effectively compromising the entire operating system. This capability enables attackers to install persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify system files, or establish covert communication channels. The vulnerability affects all Apple devices running the impacted operating system versions, creating a widespread attack surface across mobile and desktop platforms. Organizations and users face significant risk as this flaw can be exploited through seemingly benign applications, making detection and prevention particularly challenging.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-7111 focus primarily on immediate system updates and patch management to address the underlying memory corruption issues within the IOHIDFamily API. Apple released security updates for iOS 9.2, macOS 10.11.2, tvOS 9.1, and watchOS 2.1 that resolved the vulnerability through improved input validation and memory management practices. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management protocols to ensure all affected devices receive the necessary security updates. Additional protective measures include monitoring for suspicious application behavior, implementing application whitelisting policies, and conducting regular security assessments of device configurations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of how improper memory handling in kernel components can create severe security implications. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and can be leveraged for persistent access to compromised systems, making it a critical concern for enterprise security teams.