CVE-2016-1827 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
The kernel in Apple iOS before 9.3.2, OS X before 10.11.5, tvOS before 9.2.1, and watchOS before 2.2.1 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code in a privileged context or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted app, a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-1828, CVE-2016-1829, and CVE-2016-1830.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/06/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical kernel-level memory corruption flaw affecting multiple Apple operating systems including iOS 9.3.1 and earlier versions, OS X 10.11.4 and earlier, tvOS 9.2.0 and earlier, and watchOS 2.2.0 and earlier. The issue stems from improper input validation within the kernel's memory management subsystem, allowing malicious applications to exploit a privilege escalation vector that could result in arbitrary code execution with kernel-level privileges. The vulnerability specifically manifests when a crafted application attempts to manipulate kernel memory structures through improper bounds checking or memory allocation handling mechanisms. This flaw enables attackers to bypass the normal security boundaries between user-space applications and the kernel, creating a pathway for unauthorized system access and potential complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level where all system protections are typically enforced, making it a prime target for advanced persistent threats and zero-day exploits.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a memory corruption issue that occurs during kernel memory management operations, likely related to improper handling of memory allocation requests or buffer overflow conditions. Attackers can craft malicious applications that trigger specific memory access patterns which cause the kernel to corrupt its own memory structures, leading to unpredictable behavior that can be leveraged for privilege escalation. The flaw operates outside the typical application sandboxing mechanisms that protect user applications from kernel-level access, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by seemingly benign applications. This vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental breakdown in kernel memory safety mechanisms and represents a classic example of a heap-based memory corruption vulnerability that has been classified under the Common Weakness Enumeration as CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, or potentially CWE-125, out-of-bounds read, depending on the exact implementation details. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, exploit for privilege escalation, and T1059, command and scripting interpreter, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to install persistent backdoors, modify system files, access encrypted data, and bypass security features such as code signing enforcement and system integrity protection. The vulnerability affects all affected Apple operating systems and represents a significant risk to enterprise environments where Apple devices are extensively deployed. Organizations may experience unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data, system availability issues due to potential denial of service conditions, and compliance violations due to security gaps in their mobile device management programs. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Apple platforms also means that attackers can potentially leverage it across different device types, increasing the attack surface and attack vector diversity. This type of vulnerability typically requires immediate patch management attention as it can be exploited by attackers without user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in environments where timely security updates are not consistently applied.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate system updates and patch management protocols. Apple released security updates for all affected versions including iOS 9.3.2, OS X 10.11.5, tvOS 9.2.1, and watchOS 2.2.1, which address the underlying memory corruption issue through improved kernel memory management and enhanced input validation. Organizations should implement rapid deployment of these security patches across all affected devices and establish monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additional mitigations include implementing mobile device management solutions with automated patch deployment capabilities, network monitoring for suspicious activities that may indicate exploitation attempts, and application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted code. Security teams should also consider implementing runtime protection mechanisms such as kernel address space layout randomization and control flow integrity checks to make exploitation more difficult even if a patch is not immediately applied. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing layered security controls to protect against kernel-level exploits that can completely compromise system integrity and confidentiality.