CVE-2018-4302 in iTunes
Summary
by MITRE • 12/23/2021
A null pointer dereference was addressed with improved validation. This issue is fixed in macOS High Sierra 10.13, iCloud for Windows 7.0, watchOS 4, iOS 11, iTunes 12.7 for Windows. Processing maliciously crafted XML may lead to an unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/26/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-4302 represents a critical null pointer dereference flaw that affects multiple Apple operating systems and applications. This issue stems from inadequate input validation during XML processing operations, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted XML content can trigger unexpected application behavior. The vulnerability manifests when applications attempt to process malformed XML data without proper null pointer checks, leading to potential system instability and security compromise. The affected platforms include macOS High Sierra 10.13, iCloud for Windows 7.0, watchOS 4, iOS 11, and iTunes 12.7 for Windows, demonstrating the widespread impact across Apple's ecosystem. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-476, which specifically addresses null pointer dereference conditions that can lead to application crashes or more severe security consequences.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2018-4302 occurs when applications parse XML documents that contain specially crafted malicious content designed to trigger the null pointer dereference. During normal XML processing, applications typically expect certain elements to be present and properly initialized. However, when these elements are missing or improperly structured, the application may attempt to dereference a null pointer, causing an application crash or potentially allowing for arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be particularly dangerous because XML processing is a common operation across many software applications. The flaw essentially creates an execution path where the application's memory management fails to handle unexpected null references, leading to unpredictable behavior that attackers can potentially exploit for privilege escalation or system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes, as it can enable attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. When an application terminates unexpectedly due to null pointer dereference, it may leave the system in an unstable state or provide attackers with opportunities to inject malicious payloads. The vulnerability affects both desktop and mobile platforms, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where multiple device types may be in use. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability through various attack vectors including email attachments, web content, or file transfers that contain malicious XML data. The exploit potential is significant because XML processing is a common function in many applications, making the attack surface wide and potentially difficult to fully protect against without proper input validation mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-4302 should focus on implementing robust input validation and ensuring all affected applications are updated to patched versions. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the security updates released by Apple for macOS High Sierra 10.13, iCloud for Windows 7.0, watchOS 4, iOS 11, and iTunes 12.7 for Windows. Network administrators should implement XML filtering and validation at network boundaries to prevent malicious XML content from reaching vulnerable applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1203 technique for "Exploitation for Client Execution," as it enables attackers to execute code on client systems through application vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing proper error handling and null pointer checks in application code can prevent similar issues from occurring in custom software implementations, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and other industry security standards. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should include verification of XML processing functions to ensure proper validation mechanisms are in place.