CVE-2016-1831 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
The kernel in Apple iOS before 9.3.2 and OS X before 10.11.5 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code in a privileged context or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted app.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/06/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1831 represents a critical kernel-level flaw affecting Apple's iOS and macOS operating systems prior to their respective security updates. This vulnerability resides within the kernel component of the operating system, which operates with the highest privilege level and maintains direct control over system resources. The flaw enables attackers to potentially escalate privileges from a regular application context to a kernel-level execution environment, fundamentally compromising system security. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows for arbitrary code execution in a privileged context, meaning malicious actors could gain root-level access to affected systems. The memory corruption aspect of this vulnerability suggests that attackers can manipulate kernel memory structures in ways that lead to unpredictable behavior, potentially resulting in system crashes or complete system compromise.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-119, which describes weaknesses in memory management where insufficient bounds checking allows for memory corruption. The flaw likely stems from improper validation of input data or memory operations within kernel space, where attackers can craft malicious applications that trigger buffer overflows or other memory manipulation techniques. This type of vulnerability is classified as a privilege escalation vulnerability, as detailed in the ATT&CK framework under technique T1068, which covers "Local Privilege Escalation" through kernel exploits. The attack vector requires a crafted application that when executed can leverage kernel memory corruption to execute malicious code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Apple devices including iPhones, iPads, Mac computers, and other iOS-based systems, making it particularly dangerous due to its broad impact scope.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-1831 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as the ability to execute arbitrary code in kernel context represents a complete system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could install persistent backdoors, modify system files, access all user data, and potentially escalate their control to other networked devices. The memory corruption aspect creates instability that could be exploited to achieve both denial of service and privilege escalation simultaneously, making it a particularly versatile attack vector. Organizations and individuals using affected versions of iOS or macOS face significant security risks, as this vulnerability could be exploited by sophisticated threat actors to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability's presence in the kernel means that traditional user-level security controls may be bypassed entirely, rendering standard endpoint protection solutions ineffective against this specific threat.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-1831 primarily focus on applying the vendor-provided security updates released by Apple. Users should immediately upgrade to iOS 9.3.2 or later versions and macOS 10.11.5 or later to address this vulnerability. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected devices receive timely updates. Additional protective measures include enabling automatic updates where possible, maintaining network segmentation to limit potential attack spread, and monitoring for suspicious application behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent installation and execution of untrusted applications that could potentially exploit this vulnerability. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of keeping operating system components updated, particularly kernel-level software that forms the foundation of system security. Security professionals should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify any remaining systems that may still be running affected versions, as the attack surface remains significant until complete patch deployment occurs across all devices.