CVE-2016-1752 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
The kernel in Apple iOS before 9.3, OS X before 10.11.4, tvOS before 9.2, and watchOS before 2.2 allows attackers to cause a denial of service via a crafted app.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1752 represents a critical denial of service flaw within the kernel components of Apple's operating systems. This weakness affects multiple Apple platforms including iOS versions prior to 9.3, OS X versions before 10.11.4, tvOS versions before 9.2, and watchOS versions before 2.2. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of crafted applications that can trigger kernel-level instability, potentially leading to system crashes or complete system unresponsiveness. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of kernel-level flaws that can be exploited by malicious actors to disrupt normal system operations without requiring elevated privileges. The issue demonstrates how seemingly benign application execution can be leveraged to compromise system integrity at the most fundamental level.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a specific flaw in how the kernel processes certain application inputs or execution contexts. Attackers can craft malicious applications that, when executed, trigger memory corruption or resource exhaustion conditions within kernel space. This typically occurs through improper validation of application data structures or insufficient bounds checking during application loading or execution phases. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because kernel-level flaws can be exploited to cause system-wide failures that are difficult to recover from without manual intervention or complete system reboot. This aligns with CWE-122, which describes buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-125, which covers out-of-bounds read errors that can lead to memory corruption. The attack vector primarily involves application execution, making it accessible through standard app installation and launch mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-1752 extends beyond simple system crashes to potentially compromise user productivity and system availability across Apple's ecosystem. In enterprise environments, this vulnerability could lead to widespread service disruption when malicious applications are deployed on company devices, affecting not just individual users but entire organizational networks. The vulnerability's presence across multiple Apple platforms means that organizations cannot simply patch one system to resolve the issue, requiring coordinated updates across all affected operating systems. This creates additional complexity for security administrators who must manage patch deployment across diverse device fleets. The vulnerability also has implications for user trust and system reliability, as users may experience unexpected system instability or complete device lockups. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1499.004, which covers network denial of service, and T1059.001, covering command and scripting interpreter, as attackers can leverage the system instability to execute further malicious activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-1752 primarily focus on immediate patching and system updates across all affected Apple platforms. Apple released security updates for all impacted versions, and organizations should prioritize deployment of these patches to prevent exploitation. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies can help prevent execution of maliciously crafted applications, though this approach may impact legitimate application usage. System monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual application behavior or system crash patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Network-level controls can be implemented to prevent the distribution of malicious applications through enterprise app stores or unauthorized channels. Security awareness training for users can help prevent accidental execution of malicious applications, while endpoint protection solutions can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing device management solutions that can automatically enforce security policies and ensure timely patch deployment across all managed devices. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining current system security updates and the potential for kernel-level flaws to create widespread system instability across entire platform ecosystems.