CVE-2016-1814 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
IOAcceleratorFamily in Apple iOS before 9.3.2, OS X before 10.11.5, and tvOS before 9.2.1 allows attackers to cause a denial of service (NULL pointer dereference) via a crafted app.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1814 resides within the IOAcceleratorFamily component of Apple's operating systems, representing a critical denial of service flaw that affects multiple platforms including iOS, macOS, and tvOS. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the kernel-level subsystem responsible for graphics acceleration and hardware acceleration services. The flaw manifests as a NULL pointer dereference condition that occurs when a malicious application attempts to exploit the IOAcceleratorFamily interface with specially crafted parameters. The affected versions include iOS before 9.3.2, OS X before 10.11.5, and tvOS before 9.2.1, indicating this vulnerability has persisted across multiple Apple operating system variants for an extended period. The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within the realm of kernel-level exploits that can compromise system stability and availability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it represents a potential vector for more sophisticated attacks within the context of Apple's security model. When a crafted application triggers the NULL pointer dereference, the IOAcceleratorFamily component crashes, leading to system instability and potential complete system hangs. This behavior aligns with the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-476, which specifically addresses NULL pointer dereference vulnerabilities. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges since it operates within the kernel space where legitimate applications can access the graphics acceleration services. Attackers can leverage this flaw to repeatedly crash system services or even cause complete system reboots, effectively creating a persistent denial of service condition that undermines user experience and system reliability. The vulnerability's presence in the IOAcceleratorFamily component is particularly concerning given that this subsystem provides critical hardware acceleration services for graphics rendering, video processing, and other performance-critical operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-1814 primarily focus on applying the official security updates provided by Apple, which address the underlying NULL pointer dereference condition in the IOAcceleratorFamily driver. System administrators should prioritize deployment of iOS 9.3.2, macOS 10.11.5, and tvOS 9.2.1 updates across all affected devices. Additionally, implementing application sandboxing policies and restricting access to graphics acceleration services can provide defense-in-depth protection against potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would place it within the privilege escalation and denial of service categories, specifically targeting the system's kernel services. Organizations should also consider monitoring for unusual patterns of system crashes or service interruptions that could indicate exploitation attempts. Network administrators may want to implement endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify suspicious application behavior attempting to access kernel-level graphics acceleration interfaces. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of keeping operating system components updated, particularly those residing in kernel space where exploitation can result in complete system compromise. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include verification of IOAcceleratorFamily status to ensure proper patch application and prevent potential exploitation by adversaries seeking to disrupt system availability or establish persistent access through system instability conditions.