CVE-2017-7164 in tvOS
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in certain Apple products. iOS before 11.2 is affected. tvOS before 11.2 is affected. The issue involves the "App Store" component. It allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof password prompts.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7164 represents a critical security flaw in Apple's App Store component affecting iOS versions prior to 11.2 and tvOS versions prior to 11.2. This weakness stems from inadequate certificate validation mechanisms during password prompt authentication processes, creating a significant attack vector for malicious actors operating within the same network segment. The flaw specifically targets the trust relationship between users and Apple's authentication infrastructure, undermining the fundamental security assumptions that protect user credentials during sensitive operations.
This vulnerability operates through a man-in-the-middle attack pattern where adversaries can intercept and manipulate network traffic between the user's device and Apple's authentication servers. The technical implementation flaw lies in the App Store's failure to properly validate SSL/TLS certificates during password prompt sequences, allowing attackers to present fake certificates that appear legitimate to the user's device. The vulnerability maps to CWE-295 which specifically addresses improper certificate validation and certificate chain validation failures, making it particularly dangerous as it directly compromises the integrity of the authentication process.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-7164 extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to user Apple accounts and potentially compromise sensitive personal information including purchase history, personal data, and account settings. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could redirect users to malicious servers that mimic Apple's legitimate authentication interfaces, tricking users into entering their credentials while the attacker simultaneously intercepts this information. This represents a significant threat to user privacy and account security, particularly in environments where network traffic is not properly secured or monitored.
From an adversary perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1556.002 which covers credential injection attacks through man-in-the-middle techniques. The attack requires minimal technical expertise to execute and can be automated using standard network interception tools, making it particularly attractive to threat actors. Organizations and individuals affected by this vulnerability should immediately update to iOS 11.2 or later versions, or tvOS 11.2 or later, as these releases contain the necessary certificate validation improvements. Network administrators should also consider implementing additional monitoring controls to detect unusual authentication patterns and ensure proper certificate pinning mechanisms are in place to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in other applications or services.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the importance of robust certificate validation in mobile applications and the critical need for regular security updates. Apple's response through the iOS 11.2 release demonstrates the company's commitment to addressing authentication weaknesses, though the vulnerability serves as a reminder that even well-established platforms can contain security flaws that require immediate attention. Users should remain vigilant about updating their systems promptly and should be cautious when entering credentials in network environments where man-in-the-middle attacks may be possible.