CVE-2018-4090 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in certain Apple products. iOS before 11.2.5 is affected. macOS before 10.13.3 is affected. tvOS before 11.2.5 is affected. watchOS before 4.2.2 is affected. The issue involves the "Kernel" component. It allows attackers to bypass intended memory-read restrictions via a crafted app.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-4090 represents a critical kernel-level security flaw affecting multiple Apple operating systems including iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS. This vulnerability resides within the kernel component of Apple's operating systems, which serves as the core foundation responsible for system-level operations and memory management. The flaw enables attackers to circumvent intended memory-read restrictions through the execution of a specially crafted application, potentially allowing unauthorized access to protected memory regions that should normally be restricted to system processes or privileged applications.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access controls within software systems. The kernel-level memory protection mechanisms that should prevent unauthorized memory access have been bypassed, creating a pathway for malicious applications to read memory contents that they should not normally be able to access. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the kernel as a means to gain elevated system privileges and access to sensitive data. The vulnerability's exploitation requires a crafted application that can leverage kernel-level weaknesses to manipulate memory access controls, essentially allowing an unprivileged user-space application to perform operations typically restricted to kernel space.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-4090 is significant across all affected Apple platforms, as it provides attackers with the capability to access sensitive system memory and potentially extract confidential information, credentials, or system data that should remain protected. This vulnerability affects devices running iOS versions prior to 11.2.5, macOS versions prior to 10.13.3, tvOS versions prior to 11.2.5, and watchOS versions prior to 4.2.2, representing a broad attack surface across Apple's ecosystem. The implications extend beyond simple information disclosure, as attackers could potentially use this vulnerability to escalate privileges, access secure communications, or manipulate system behavior in ways that compromise overall device security. The vulnerability's presence in the kernel component means that successful exploitation could provide attackers with deep system-level access that traditional application sandboxing mechanisms would normally prevent.
Apple addressed this vulnerability through security updates released as part of iOS 11.2.5, macOS 10.13.3, tvOS 11.2.5, and watchOS 4.2.2. These updates implemented kernel-level patches that restore proper memory access controls and prevent the bypass of intended security restrictions. Organizations and users should prioritize applying these security updates immediately to protect against potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of kernel security in operating systems, as even minor flaws in core system components can provide attackers with extensive capabilities to compromise entire systems. Security professionals should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and ensure that all Apple devices within their environments receive the necessary security patches to maintain operational security posture.