CVE-2017-2441 in tvOS
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in certain Apple products. iOS before 10.3 is affected. macOS before 10.12.4 is affected. tvOS before 10.2 is affected. watchOS before 3.2 is affected. The issue involves the "libc++abi" component. A use-after-free vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted C++ app that is mishandled during demangling.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/31/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2441 represents a critical use-after-free flaw within Apple's libc++abi component affecting multiple operating systems including iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS. This security weakness stems from improper handling of C++ exception demangling operations, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The libc++abi library serves as a crucial component in C++ applications, managing exception handling and object destruction processes that are fundamental to program stability and security.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a crafted C++ application is processed by the system's demangling routines, which are responsible for converting mangled symbol names back into human-readable form during exception handling. When the demangling process encounters malformed input from a malicious application, it triggers a use-after-free condition where memory previously allocated to an object is accessed after the object has been freed, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential code execution. This flaw specifically targets the exception handling mechanisms that are integral to C++ runtime libraries and can be exploited without requiring local privileges, making it particularly dangerous in remote attack scenarios.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-2441 extends beyond simple code execution as it allows attackers to bypass security controls and potentially escalate privileges within the affected systems. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that malicious actors can deliver payloads through network-based attacks without requiring physical access or user interaction beyond executing the malicious application. Systems running iOS versions prior to 10.3, macOS versions before 10.12.4, tvOS versions before 10.2, and watchOS versions before 3.2 remain vulnerable to this attack vector, creating a substantial attack surface across Apple's ecosystem. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-416, which describes use-after-free conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers could leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands within the compromised system's context.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates to the patched versions of affected operating systems, as Apple released security updates addressing the specific use-after-free condition in the libc++abi library. Organizations should prioritize patch management processes to ensure all affected devices are updated promptly, particularly given the remote exploitability of the vulnerability. Additional protective measures include network segmentation to limit exposure, monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns, and implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted C++ applications. Security teams should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems capable of identifying potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability, while maintaining regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar weaknesses in other system components. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patches in controlled environments before widespread deployment to ensure compatibility with existing applications and system functionality.