CVE-2017-7133 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in certain Apple products. iOS before 11 is affected. The issue involves the "MobileBackup" component. It allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive cleartext information in opportunistic circumstances by leveraging read access to a backup archive that was supposed to have been encrypted.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7133 represents a critical security flaw within Apple's MobileBackup component affecting iOS versions prior to 11. This weakness stems from improper handling of backup encryption mechanisms that creates opportunities for attackers to extract sensitive cleartext data from backup archives that should have been protected. The issue manifests when attackers gain read access to backup files that were intended to be encrypted but contain unencrypted sensitive information due to flawed implementation of the backup encryption process. This vulnerability specifically impacts the MobileBackup functionality that Apple uses to manage automatic device backups to iCloud or local computers, creating a scenario where adversaries can exploit the system's failure to properly encrypt all data elements within backup archives.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through opportunistic attack vectors where remote adversaries can access backup files without requiring additional authentication or decryption keys. The flaw lies in the backup system's failure to consistently apply encryption across all data elements, leaving certain sensitive information in cleartext format within the backup archives. This represents a violation of fundamental security principles where data that should remain protected during backup operations becomes accessible to unauthorized parties. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-312 - Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information, which specifically addresses the improper storage of sensitive data in an unencrypted format. Attackers can leverage this weakness by simply accessing the backup archive files and extracting the cleartext information that should have been protected through proper encryption mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-7133 extends beyond simple data exposure to encompass potential compromise of user privacy and system security. When iOS devices are backed up to iCloud or local computers, users expect their sensitive information to remain protected throughout the backup process. However, this vulnerability creates a scenario where personal data, including but not limited to device configuration settings, application data, and potentially user credentials, can be extracted in cleartext form. The implications are particularly severe given that MobileBackup automatically creates backups without user explicit consent for encryption verification, meaning users may unknowingly expose sensitive data. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213 - Data from Information Repositories, where adversaries access stored data that should have been protected, and represents a failure in Apple's backup security architecture that undermines user trust in the platform's security measures.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability focus primarily on upgrading to iOS version 11 or later, where Apple implemented corrected encryption mechanisms for the MobileBackup component. Users should also ensure that they are not relying on unencrypted local backups for sensitive data and should implement additional security measures such as using strong passphrases for local backups, enabling two-factor authentication, and regularly reviewing backup configurations. Organizations should consider implementing network monitoring to detect unauthorized access to backup files and establish proper backup access controls. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper encryption implementation and the need for comprehensive security testing of backup systems. Security professionals should also consider this issue when conducting risk assessments for iOS environments and ensure that backup policies include verification of encryption status for all backup archives. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining up-to-date systems and the potential consequences of failing to address encryption flaws in backup mechanisms that are fundamental to system security and user privacy protection.