CVE-2016-1757 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
Race condition in the kernel in Apple iOS before 9.3 and OS X before 10.11.4 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code in a privileged context via a crafted app.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1757 represents a critical race condition flaw within the kernel of Apple's iOS and macOS operating systems. This issue affects versions prior to iOS 9.3 and OS X 10.11.4, creating a security weakness that enables malicious actors to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code with elevated system permissions. The race condition manifests in the kernel's handling of certain memory management operations, where timing dependencies create opportunities for exploitation. This flaw specifically targets the kernel's privilege escalation mechanisms, allowing attackers with a crafted application to bypass normal security boundaries and gain unauthorized access to system-level resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper synchronization mechanisms within kernel memory management routines. When multiple threads or processes attempt to access shared kernel resources simultaneously, the race condition occurs during the window between resource validation and actual usage. This timing gap enables attackers to manipulate the system state in ways that should be impossible under normal operation. The flaw resides in the kernel's memory management subsystem where kernel objects are created, accessed, and destroyed, creating opportunities for attackers to exploit the temporal inconsistencies in resource handling. According to CWE-362, this vulnerability maps directly to concurrent execution issues where improper synchronization leads to security flaws. The race condition specifically impacts kernel memory management operations, making it particularly dangerous as it operates at the most privileged level of the operating system.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-1757 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. This capability allows for complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor installation. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to bypass system security controls, modify system files, monitor user activities, and establish persistent access to affected systems. The implications are severe for enterprise environments where iOS and macOS devices handle sensitive corporate data, as successful exploitation can lead to widespread data breaches and system compromise. The vulnerability's impact aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Local Privilege Escalation' and T1543, covering 'Create or Modify System Process', as attackers can manipulate kernel-level processes to maintain persistent access. Organizations using affected versions of Apple's operating systems face significant risk of targeted attacks, particularly from nation-state actors and sophisticated threat groups who may have already developed exploits for this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-1757 primarily focus on immediate system updates and security hardening measures. Apple's release of iOS 9.3 and macOS 10.11.4 addressed this vulnerability through improved kernel synchronization mechanisms and enhanced memory management protocols. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems and implement additional security controls such as application whitelisting, kernel extension restrictions, and monitoring for suspicious kernel-level activities. The vulnerability's resolution demonstrates the importance of proper race condition handling in kernel code, with Apple implementing stricter synchronization primitives and improved resource management. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and maintain comprehensive incident response procedures. Security professionals should conduct regular vulnerability assessments and ensure all systems are updated with the latest security patches, as this vulnerability represents a classic example of how timing-dependent flaws in kernel code can lead to complete system compromise. The remediation process involves not only applying patches but also reviewing system configurations and implementing additional security layers to protect against similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other kernel components.