CVE-2016-1865 in tvOS
Summary
by MITRE
The kernel in Apple iOS before 9.3.3, OS X before 10.11.6, tvOS before 9.2.2, and watchOS before 2.2.2 allows local users to cause a denial of service (NULL pointer dereference) via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1865 represents a critical kernel-level flaw affecting multiple Apple operating systems including iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS. This issue manifests as a NULL pointer dereference condition that occurs during specific kernel operations, creating a pathway for local attackers to execute denial of service attacks against affected systems. The vulnerability exists within the kernel implementation and affects versions prior to the specified security updates, making it particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of these operating systems across consumer and enterprise environments. The unspecified vectors suggest that the flaw can be triggered through various kernel subsystems or system calls, potentially making it difficult to predict or fully characterize all attack surfaces.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it within the scope of CWE-476, which specifically addresses NULL pointer dereference conditions in software implementations. When a kernel component attempts to access memory through a NULL pointer reference, the system typically experiences a segmentation fault or system crash, resulting in the denial of service condition. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in kernel space because it operates with the highest privilege levels and can compromise system stability and availability. The local user requirement indicates that exploitation does not need network access, making the vulnerability more accessible to attackers who already have user-level access to the target system. The kernel-level nature of the flaw means that successful exploitation can result in complete system hang or reboot, effectively denying legitimate users access to their devices.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to both individual users and enterprise environments. In consumer contexts, local attackers could exploit this flaw to disrupt device functionality, potentially causing inconvenience or data loss during critical operations. Enterprise environments face more severe implications as the denial of service could impact business continuity, especially when devices are critical to operations or contain sensitive information. The vulnerability's presence across multiple Apple platforms including mobile devices, desktop operating systems, and television set-top boxes creates a broad attack surface that organizations must consider in their security postures. The fact that this vulnerability affects multiple platforms suggests a systemic issue within Apple's kernel implementation that may indicate broader architectural weaknesses or insufficient input validation across kernel subsystems.
Security mitigations for CVE-2016-1865 primarily involve applying the official security patches released by Apple as part of their regular update cycles. System administrators should prioritize deployment of iOS 9.3.3, OS X 10.11.6, tvOS 9.2.2, and watchOS 2.2.2 updates to address this vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should implement monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain up-to-date threat intelligence regarding similar kernel-level vulnerabilities. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1499.001, which covers network denial of service, highlights the importance of maintaining system stability and availability through proper patch management. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as system hardening measures, privilege separation, and enhanced logging to detect anomalous kernel behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Given the nature of kernel vulnerabilities, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify potential exploitation vectors and ensure that systems remain protected against similar threats.