CVE-2016-1780 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
WebKit in Apple iOS before 9.3 does not prevent hidden web views from reading orientation and motion data, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information about a device s physical environment via a crafted web site.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1780 represents a significant security flaw in Apple iOS versions prior to 9.3, specifically within the WebKit rendering engine that powers Safari and other web-based applications. This issue stems from insufficient access controls and privacy safeguards within the mobile operating system's web framework, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit device sensor data through seemingly benign web content.
The technical flaw manifests in how WebKit handles hidden web views and their interaction with device sensors. When a web page contains hidden or invisible web view elements, the vulnerable iOS versions fail to properly restrict these components from accessing orientation and motion data from the device's accelerometer, gyroscope, and other motion sensors. This occurs because the security model does not adequately distinguish between visible and hidden web view contexts when determining sensor access permissions. The flaw essentially allows malicious web content to bypass normal privacy boundaries that should prevent unauthorized access to device hardware capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data collection, as it enables sophisticated tracking and environmental reconnaissance capabilities. Remote attackers can craft malicious websites that silently capture device orientation data, including information about device tilt, rotation, and movement patterns. This sensor data can reveal sensitive contextual information about the device user's physical environment, such as whether they are walking, driving, or stationary, potentially enabling location inference and behavioral profiling. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates silently in the background without user awareness or explicit consent, making it difficult to detect through traditional security monitoring approaches.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses "Information Exposure," and represents a specific instance of improper access control in mobile device operating systems. The attack vector follows patterns consistent with the ATT&CK framework's technique T1056.001, "Input Injection: GUI Input Injection," where adversaries exploit web-based interfaces to gain unauthorized access to device capabilities. The flaw also relates to T1566, "Phishing," as it enables sophisticated social engineering campaigns that can harvest sensitive sensor data through seemingly legitimate web interactions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates to iOS 9.3 or later versions where Apple has implemented proper access controls for hidden web views and device sensors. Organizations should also deploy network-based monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous web traffic patterns and implement web content filtering policies that restrict access to untrusted websites. Additionally, users should maintain awareness of the security implications of visiting unknown websites and ensure their devices remain updated with the latest security patches. The vulnerability underscores the importance of comprehensive mobile security frameworks that account for the complex interaction between web-based applications and device hardware capabilities, particularly in environments where privacy and security are paramount concerns.