CVE-2016-7591 in watchOS
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in certain Apple products. iOS before 10.2 is affected. macOS before 10.12.2 is affected. watchOS before 3.1.3 is affected. The issue involves the "IOHIDFamily" component. It allows attackers to execute arbitrary code in a privileged context or cause a denial of service (use-after-free) via a crafted app.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-7591 represents a critical use-after-free flaw within Apple's IOHIDFamily component, which serves as the core framework for handling human interface device interactions across iOS, macOS, and watchOS platforms. This fundamental security weakness affects multiple Apple operating systems including iOS versions prior to 10.2, macOS versions before 10.12.2, and watchOS versions before 3.1.3. The IOHIDFamily component is responsible for managing input device drivers and system-level HID (Human Interface Device) functionality, making it a critical subsystem that handles input from keyboards, mice, touchscreens, and various peripheral devices. The vulnerability stems from improper memory management practices where freed memory blocks are still accessible and potentially writable, creating an opportunity for malicious exploitation.
The technical exploitation of this use-after-free vulnerability occurs when a crafted malicious application attempts to manipulate the IOHIDFamily component through improper input device handling. Attackers can leverage this flaw by creating a specially designed application that triggers a specific sequence of operations leading to memory corruption. When the system processes input from a malicious HID device or through improper device driver interactions, the freed memory location can be reallocated and written to by the attacker's code. This memory corruption allows adversaries to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, effectively bypassing normal security boundaries and gaining access to system resources that should be restricted to authorized processes. The vulnerability specifically targets the kernel-level components of the operating system where IOHIDFamily operates, making it particularly dangerous as it can lead to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-7591 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can enable attackers to achieve persistent system compromise and execute sophisticated attack chains. The use-after-free condition creates a window of opportunity where attackers can inject malicious code into the kernel space, potentially allowing them to install rootkits, modify system binaries, or establish backdoor access that persists across reboots. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions in software development, and represents a classic example of how memory safety issues can lead to privilege escalation in operating system components. The attack vector requires only a user to install and run a malicious application, making it particularly concerning for mobile and desktop environments where users may inadvertently execute compromised software. The vulnerability's presence in the IOHIDFamily component means that even legitimate system functionality could be exploited, as the component handles all input device interactions regardless of their source.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-7591 focus primarily on immediate system updates and patch management to address the underlying memory management flaws in the IOHIDFamily component. Apple's release of iOS 10.2, macOS 10.12.2, and watchOS 3.1.3 contained the necessary fixes to resolve the use-after-free condition through proper memory deallocation and access validation mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected Apple devices receive the latest security updates promptly. Additional defensive measures include network monitoring for suspicious application behavior, device access controls to limit installation of untrusted applications, and user education regarding the risks of executing unknown or unverified software. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and can be categorized under T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation', while also representing a potential entry point for broader attack campaigns involving T1059 for command execution and T1070 for indicator removal. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of kernel-level security in modern operating systems and underscores the necessity of rigorous memory safety testing in core system components.