CVE-2016-1748 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
IOHIDFamily in Apple iOS before 9.3, OS X before 10.11.4, tvOS before 9.2, and watchOS before 2.2 allows attackers to obtain sensitive kernel memory-layout information via a crafted app.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1748 resides within the IOHIDFamily component of Apple's operating systems, representing a significant information disclosure flaw that affects multiple platforms including iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and memory handling within the HID (Human Interface Device) subsystem that processes device communication protocols. The flaw specifically manifests when a malicious application attempts to interact with kernel memory structures through crafted HID device simulations, potentially exposing sensitive memory layout information to unauthorized processes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the IOHIDFamily's improper handling of device descriptor requests and memory allocation patterns during HID device enumeration processes. When a crafted application attempts to establish communication with a simulated HID device, the kernel fails to properly validate the device configuration data, leading to information leakage through memory access patterns that reveal kernel memory addresses and layout structures. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-200, which specifically addresses "Information Exposure" and represents a classic case of insufficient output filtering in kernel space operations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level where privilege escalation opportunities exist, making it a potential stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-1748 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked memory layout information provides attackers with crucial data needed to perform advanced exploitation techniques. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially use the disclosed memory addresses to bypass kernel address space layout randomization (ASLR) protections, a common defense mechanism designed to prevent exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities. The vulnerability affects versions of Apple's operating systems released prior to the respective security patches, creating a window of opportunity for attackers to develop and deploy exploits against devices running vulnerable software. This information disclosure vulnerability represents a critical weakness in Apple's kernel security model and demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in privileged system components.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-1748 primarily focus on applying the vendor-provided security updates that address the root cause through enhanced input validation and memory handling within the IOHIDFamily component. System administrators and users should immediately install the applicable security patches for their respective operating systems, including iOS 9.3, macOS 10.11.4, tvOS 9.2, and watchOS 2.2. Additionally, organizations should implement network monitoring to detect unusual HID device enumeration patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage. The vulnerability highlights the necessity of comprehensive kernel security testing and the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches as part of overall cybersecurity defense strategies, particularly in environments where Apple devices are prevalent and where the potential for privilege escalation exists through information disclosure vulnerabilities.