CVE-2017-2411 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
In iOS before 11.2, exchange rates were retrieved from HTTP rather than HTTPS. This was addressed by enabling HTTPS for exchange rates.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/28/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2017-2411 represents a significant security flaw in Apple iOS versions prior to 11.2 where the operating system retrieved exchange rate data using unencrypted HTTP connections instead of secure HTTPS protocols. This issue falls under the category of insecure communication practices that can expose users to various cyber threats including man-in-the-middle attacks and data interception. The flaw specifically affected the iOS operating system's handling of financial data retrieval mechanisms, creating a potential avenue for attackers to compromise the integrity and confidentiality of currency conversion information.
This vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of insufficient transport layer security implementation where sensitive financial data was transmitted without proper encryption. The technical flaw resides in the application layer's network communication protocols, where the system failed to enforce secure communication channels for retrieving exchange rate information. According to CWE-319, this represents a weakness in the use of insecure communication channels, specifically involving the transmission of sensitive information over unencrypted networks. The vulnerability creates a pathway for attackers to intercept and potentially modify exchange rate data during transmission, which could lead to financial manipulation or deception.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it affects the trustworthiness of financial information within the iOS ecosystem. When exchange rates are transmitted over HTTP, they become susceptible to various attack vectors including packet sniffing, DNS spoofing, and active network interference. This weakness in the security model could enable adversaries to inject false exchange rates into the system, potentially causing financial losses for users who rely on these rates for transactions or financial planning. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1046 which involves network service scanning and reconnaissance activities that can be leveraged to identify and exploit insecure communication channels.
The remediation implemented by Apple in iOS 11.2 addressed this vulnerability by enabling HTTPS for all exchange rate data retrieval operations. This change ensures that all financial information is transmitted over encrypted channels, preventing unauthorized access and modification of currency conversion data. The fix represents a fundamental improvement in the system's security posture by enforcing secure communication protocols for sensitive financial information. Organizations implementing similar solutions should consider adopting similar approaches to secure financial data transmission, ensuring that all sensitive information is protected through proper encryption mechanisms and that security controls are consistently applied across all network communication channels. The resolution demonstrates the importance of maintaining secure communication standards in financial applications and highlights the necessity of regular security updates to address emerging threats in mobile operating systems.