CVE-2016-4719 in watchOS
Summary
by MITRE
The GeoServices component in Apple iOS before 10 and watchOS before 3 does not properly restrict access to PlaceData information, which allows attackers to discover physical locations via a crafted application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/16/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-4719 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within Apple's GeoServices component affecting iOS versions prior to 10 and watchOS versions prior to 3. This security weakness stems from inadequate access controls that permit unauthorized applications to extract sensitive location data from PlaceData structures. The flaw exists in the fundamental architecture of Apple's location services implementation, where proper authorization mechanisms fail to prevent malicious applications from accessing geolocation information that should remain protected. The vulnerability demonstrates a clear failure in Apple's security model for location-based services, where the boundaries between legitimate application access and unauthorized data extraction are improperly enforced.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the GeoServices framework's insufficient validation of application permissions when accessing PlaceData information. Attackers can craft malicious applications that exploit the lack of proper access restrictions to obtain physical location coordinates and related geospatial data. This flaw operates at the application programming interface level where legitimate location services functionality is exposed without adequate sandboxing or permission verification. The vulnerability specifically targets the PlaceData information structure which contains detailed geographic coordinates and location metadata that should only be accessible through authorized applications with proper user consent. This represents a classic case of improper access control where the system fails to properly authenticate and authorize application requests for sensitive geolocation data.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-4719 extends beyond simple location tracking to encompass significant privacy and security implications for affected users. Malicious actors can leverage this vulnerability to perform reconnaissance activities, map user movement patterns, and potentially identify sensitive locations such as homes, workplaces, or other personal sites. The vulnerability enables attackers to aggregate location data without user knowledge or consent, creating potential for stalking, targeted attacks, or commercial exploitation of location intelligence. This flaw particularly affects users of older Apple devices where automatic security updates may not be available, leaving them vulnerable to persistent location tracking. The impact aligns with attack patterns documented in the attack framework where adversaries exploit information gathering capabilities to build comprehensive profiles of target individuals.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates to affected Apple operating systems, as the flaw exists in core operating system components that cannot be patched through third-party applications. Users must upgrade to iOS 10 or later and watchOS 3 or later to receive the necessary security fixes that properly implement access controls for PlaceData information. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory checks to identify affected devices and implement mandatory update policies for all corporate-owned or personally identifiable information handling devices. Security monitoring should include detection of potentially malicious applications attempting to access location services, particularly those that request unusual permissions or exhibit suspicious location data access patterns. This vulnerability exemplifies the importance of proper access control implementation as defined by common weakness enumeration cwe-284 and aligns with tactics described in the attack framework where adversaries exploit weak access controls to obtain sensitive information. The remediation process must also include user education about application permissions and the importance of maintaining up-to-date operating system versions to prevent exploitation of similar access control vulnerabilities.