CVE-2017-7075 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in certain Apple products. iOS before 11 is affected. The issue involves the "Notes" component. It allows local users to obtain sensitive information by reading search results that contain locked-note content.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7075 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within Apple's Notes application on iOS devices prior to version 11. This security weakness resides in the search functionality of the Notes component and demonstrates how seemingly benign features can expose sensitive data when proper access controls are absent. The vulnerability specifically affects iOS versions earlier than 11, indicating that Apple's security measures were not adequately implemented in the search mechanism of the Notes application across these affected releases. The flaw allows local attackers to access content that should be restricted due to note locking mechanisms, creating a significant privacy risk for users who rely on encrypted notes for sensitive information storage. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of improper access control as defined by CWE-284, where the system fails to properly restrict access to protected resources. The issue represents a fundamental breakdown in the application's security model, where the search function does not properly validate user permissions before displaying results, potentially exposing confidential information stored in locked notes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from how the Notes application processes search queries and handles locked note content. When users search through their notes, the system should filter out content from locked notes that the user does not have permission to view. However, the flawed implementation allows search results to surface information from locked notes, effectively bypassing the intended access controls. This occurs because the search functionality does not properly enforce the encryption and access restrictions that should apply to locked notes, creating a scenario where sensitive information can be extracted through indirect means. The vulnerability demonstrates a failure in the application's privilege escalation mechanisms and represents a classic case of insufficient authorization checks as outlined in the ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation techniques. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting search queries that inadvertently reveal content from locked notes, effectively circumventing the intended security boundaries that should protect sensitive user data.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-7075 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it fundamentally undermines user trust in the security of their note-taking applications. Users who store sensitive personal information, financial data, or confidential communications in locked notes may unknowingly expose this information to unauthorized parties through the search functionality. This vulnerability particularly affects individuals who rely heavily on note-taking applications for personal and professional communication, as the exposure of locked content could lead to identity theft, financial fraud, or corporate espionage. The local nature of the attack means that no network connectivity is required, making the exploit accessible through simple device-based attacks or compromised devices. Organizations using iOS devices for business communications may face significant risks if employees store sensitive corporate information in Notes applications, as the vulnerability could expose trade secrets, strategic plans, or confidential communications. The impact is further amplified by the fact that this vulnerability affects multiple iOS versions, meaning that a large user base remained exposed for an extended period without adequate protection.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2017-7075 requires immediate software updates to iOS version 11 or later, where Apple implemented proper access controls for the Notes application search functionality. Users should ensure their devices are updated to the latest iOS version available, as this vulnerability was resolved through patches that properly enforce access restrictions during search operations. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify devices running affected iOS versions and prioritize updates for all corporate devices. Additionally, users should be educated about the importance of keeping their devices updated and should consider alternative note-taking applications with stronger security guarantees if they cannot immediately update their iOS versions. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and access control implementation in mobile applications, particularly those handling sensitive user data. Organizations should implement monitoring systems to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain up-to-date security patches for all mobile devices in their infrastructure. This case demonstrates the critical need for continuous security testing of mobile applications and the importance of proper authorization controls in all application components, as outlined in security best practices and industry standards for mobile device management and endpoint security.