CVE-2016-1734 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
AppleUSBNetworking in Apple iOS before 9.3 and OS X before 10.11.4 allows physically proximate attackers to execute arbitrary code in a privileged context or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted USB device.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1734 resides within AppleUSBNetworking, a core component of Apple's operating systems that manages USB network connections. This flaw affects iOS versions prior to 9.3 and OS X versions prior to 10.11.4, representing a significant security gap that could be exploited by attackers with physical proximity to target devices. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and memory management within the USB networking driver, creating a pathway for malicious code execution in a privileged context. The attack vector requires physical access to the device, which aligns with the concept of a local attack in cybersecurity terminology and places this vulnerability in the category of physical proximity exploits.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves memory corruption that occurs when the AppleUSBNetworking component processes specially crafted USB devices. When such a device connects to a vulnerable system, the driver fails to properly validate or sanitize the data structures contained within the USB device's descriptors or communication protocols. This memory corruption can lead to arbitrary code execution with kernel-level privileges, effectively allowing attackers to bypass normal security boundaries and gain control over the system's core operations. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with a buffer overflow or use-after-free vulnerability, where improper memory handling creates opportunities for malicious code injection. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read and CWE-787 as an out-of-bounds write, both of which represent common attack surfaces in kernel-level code.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-1734 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it represents a serious threat to device security when attackers can physically access target systems. In enterprise environments, this vulnerability could enable attackers to compromise devices during routine maintenance, while in consumer contexts, it poses risks during device charging or connection scenarios. The ability to execute code in a privileged context means attackers can potentially install persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or disable security features entirely. The denial of service aspect of this vulnerability further compounds the risk, as attackers could cause system crashes or reboots that might be used as part of a broader attack strategy. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, demonstrating how physical proximity attacks can be leveraged to achieve broader system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on system updates and operational security measures. Apple's release of iOS 9.3 and OS X 10.11.4 included patches that addressed the memory corruption issues within AppleUSBNetworking, making timely system updates the primary defense mechanism. Organizations should implement robust patch management processes to ensure all devices receive these critical security updates promptly. Additional protective measures include disabling USB networking features when not required, implementing USB device whitelisting policies, and maintaining strict physical security controls for devices. Network administrators should also consider monitoring for unusual USB connection patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in kernel-level components and demonstrates how physical attack surfaces can be exploited to achieve system compromise, reinforcing the need for comprehensive security strategies that address both digital and physical access controls.