CVE-2017-6435 in libplist
Summary
by MITRE
The parse_string_node function in bplist.c in libimobiledevice libplist 1.12 allows local users to cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted plist file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6435 resides within the libimobiledevice libplist library version 1.12, specifically within the parse_string_node function located in the bplist.c file. This library serves as a critical component for parsing and generating property list files used in iOS device communication and management. The flaw manifests when processing maliciously crafted plist files that exploit memory handling inconsistencies during string node parsing operations. The vulnerability falls under the category of memory corruption issues that can lead to unpredictable system behavior and potential denial of service conditions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper memory management during the parsing of string nodes within binary property list structures. When the parse_string_node function encounters a specially crafted plist file, it fails to properly validate input boundaries and memory allocation parameters. This results in memory corruption that can manifest as buffer overflows, heap corruption, or invalid memory access patterns. The vulnerability is classified as a local privilege escalation vector since it requires local user execution to craft and process the malicious input file, though the impact extends to system stability and availability.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to systems that rely on libplist for iOS device management, backup operations, and mobile device integration processes. The denial of service condition can disrupt legitimate device communication channels, prevent proper backup operations, and potentially compromise the stability of applications that depend on the libplist library. Security analysts should note that while the vulnerability is classified as a denial of service rather than a remote code execution flaw, the memory corruption aspects can create opportunities for more severe exploitation if combined with other vulnerabilities or if the affected system processes untrusted input from multiple sources.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow scenarios. Additionally, this issue demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, where adversaries may leverage local execution capabilities to manipulate system components through crafted input files. Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability in all systems that utilize libimobiledevice or any applications that depend on the affected libplist library version. The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate upgrade to libplist version 2.0.0 or later, which includes proper input validation and memory handling improvements. System administrators should also implement input sanitization measures and consider deploying additional monitoring for unusual memory allocation patterns or process termination events that may indicate exploitation attempts.