CVE-2015-7988 in mDNSResponder
Summary
by MITRE
The handle_regservice_request function in mDNSResponder before 625.41.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (NULL pointer dereference) via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7988 resides within the mDNSResponder implementation, specifically within the handle_regservice_request function that operates as part of Apple's Bonjour service implementation. This function processes registration service requests within the Multicast DNS protocol stack, which is fundamental to network service discovery in macOS and iOS environments. The flaw manifests as a NULL pointer dereference condition that can be exploited by remote attackers through unspecified vectors, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or denial of service scenarios. This vulnerability represents a critical security weakness in the network infrastructure components that many applications and systems depend upon for service discovery and network communication.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the handle_regservice_request function. When processing registration service requests, the function fails to properly validate pointer references before dereferencing them, creating a condition where a NULL pointer can be accessed and dereferenced without proper error handling. This type of flaw falls under the CWE-476 category of NULL Pointer Dereference, which is classified as a common weakness in software development practices. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is significant because it allows remote attackers to manipulate the function's behavior through crafted service registration requests, potentially leading to complete system compromise or service disruption.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-7988 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass potential remote code execution capabilities that could be leveraged by attackers. Systems running affected versions of mDNSResponder are vulnerable to attacks that could result in unauthorized access to network services, data exfiltration, or complete system compromise depending on the execution context. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Apple products including macOS and iOS devices, as well as any systems that rely on Bonjour service discovery for network communication. This makes the attack surface particularly broad, as the vulnerability could be exploited against network infrastructure, endpoint devices, and applications that depend on multicast DNS functionality for service discovery and network configuration.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly in relation to privilege escalation and remote code execution techniques. The vulnerability aligns with tactics such as T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1105 for remote file execution, as attackers could potentially leverage the NULL pointer dereference to execute malicious code on affected systems. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor patches released by Apple, which address the memory management issues in the handle_regservice_request function. Network segmentation and monitoring for unusual multicast DNS traffic patterns should also be implemented as additional defensive measures. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation and memory management in network service implementations, particularly those handling remote communication protocols where attackers may have direct influence over program execution paths.