CVE-2015-7113 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
The LaunchServices component in Apple iOS before 9.2 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 malformed plist.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7113 resides within Apple's LaunchServices component, a critical system service responsible for managing application registration and launch behavior across iOS and watchOS platforms. This component operates with elevated privileges and serves as a foundational element for the operating system's application management infrastructure. The flaw manifests in the improper handling of malformed property list files, which are commonly used for configuration data and system communications. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specially designed plist files that, when processed by LaunchServices, trigger unexpected behavior within the system's memory management mechanisms.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of memory corruption vulnerabilities that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The LaunchServices component processes plist files without adequate input validation, allowing maliciously formatted data to overwrite memory regions beyond the intended buffer boundaries. This memory corruption occurs during the parsing and interpretation of property list structures, where the system fails to properly validate the length and structure of the data being processed. The vulnerability specifically affects iOS versions prior to 9.2 and watchOS versions prior to 2.1, indicating that these were the last versions to contain the flawed implementation of plist parsing logic within the LaunchServices framework.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code within a privileged execution context. This privilege escalation capability means that malicious actors could potentially gain root-level access to affected devices, enabling them to install unauthorized applications, modify system files, or exfiltrate sensitive user data. The memory corruption aspect also presents a significant risk for system stability, as successful exploitation could lead to unpredictable application crashes or complete system hangs. Given that LaunchServices is integral to the operating system's core functionality, the potential for widespread disruption exists, particularly when considering that many system applications and services rely on this component for proper operation.
Organizations and users affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigation strategies including updating to iOS 9.2 or later versions and watchOS 2.1 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the malformed plist handling issue. The remediation process should also include comprehensive security assessments of applications and services that may interact with LaunchServices, as third-party applications could potentially serve as attack vectors if they improperly handle plist data. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to suspicious plist file creation or unusual LaunchServices activity, as these may signal attempted exploitation of the vulnerability. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies and enhanced monitoring of system logs for anomalous behavior patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in system-level components, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation.