CVE-2016-7630 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in certain Apple products. iOS before 10.2 is affected. The issue involves the "WebSheet" component, which allows attackers to bypass a sandbox protection mechanism via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/16/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-7630 represents a critical sandbox bypass flaw within Apple's iOS operating system affecting versions prior to 10.2. This security issue resides within the WebSheet component, which serves as a key architectural element in iOS web browsing and application interaction mechanisms. The WebSheet component is responsible for managing web content presentation and interaction within iOS applications, creating a bridge between web-based interfaces and native application functionality. The flaw allows malicious actors to circumvent the sandbox protection mechanisms that are fundamental to iOS security architecture, potentially enabling unauthorized access to system resources and user data.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper validation and handling of web content within the WebSheet framework, creating an attack surface that adversaries can exploit to gain elevated privileges. This sandbox bypass occurs through unspecified vectors that likely involve manipulation of web rendering processes or memory management within the WebSheet component. The vulnerability demonstrates a failure in input validation and access control mechanisms, aligning with CWE-284 which addresses improper access control issues. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute code outside of normal application boundaries, effectively breaking down the security isolation that separates user applications from system-level resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-7630 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally undermines the core security model of iOS devices. When exploited, this vulnerability enables attackers to bypass multiple layers of security controls that are essential for protecting user privacy and device integrity. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it affects the web browsing component that users interact with most frequently, making exploitation relatively accessible. This vulnerability could potentially allow attackers to access sensitive user data, install malicious applications, or perform other unauthorized actions that compromise the device's security posture. The implications are significant for enterprise environments where iOS devices handle confidential business information and for individual users who rely on device security for personal data protection.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-7630 primarily focus on immediate system updates and security hardening measures. Apple's recommended solution involves upgrading to iOS 10.2 or later versions where the vulnerability has been addressed through enhanced input validation and improved sandbox enforcement mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management policies to ensure all iOS devices are updated promptly, as the vulnerability affects all versions prior to the security fix. Additional protective measures include network monitoring for suspicious web traffic patterns, implementation of mobile device management solutions, and user education about avoiding untrusted web content. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and sandbox evasion, highlighting the importance of maintaining up-to-date security controls and monitoring for anomalous behavior that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the critical need for continuous security assessment and the importance of addressing security flaws in web rendering components that serve as attack vectors for sophisticated adversaries.