CVE-2021-31001 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE • 08/25/2021
An access issue was addressed with improved access restrictions. This issue is fixed in iOS 15 and iPadOS 15. An attacker in a privileged network position may be able to leak sensitive user information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-31001 represents a significant access control weakness in Apple's iOS and iPadOS operating systems that could potentially expose sensitive user data to unauthorized parties. This issue falls under the category of improper access control as defined by CWE-284, where the system fails to properly enforce access restrictions that should prevent unauthorized information disclosure. The vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to iOS 15 and iPadOS 15, indicating that Apple recognized the severity of the access control flaw and implemented remediation measures in their major operating system update.
The technical flaw manifests as insufficient access restrictions that allow an attacker positioned in a privileged network location to potentially leak sensitive user information. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages the attacker's position within the network infrastructure rather than requiring exploitation of other system weaknesses. The attack vector suggests that the vulnerability could be exploited through network-based means, where an adversary with access to network traffic or network infrastructure could intercept and extract sensitive data. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1041 for Exfiltration Over C2 Channel and T1567 for Exfiltration Over Web Service, as the attack could involve data extraction through network communications.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-31001 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in the security model of iOS and iPadOS systems. Users running affected versions of the operating system face potential exposure of personal information, including but not limited to communication data, user credentials, and potentially sensitive business or personal records. The vulnerability's classification as a privilege-based access issue means that attackers do not require root-level access or sophisticated exploitation techniques, but rather can leverage their position within the network to perform unauthorized data access. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where network monitoring and control are critical for maintaining information security.
Organizations and individual users should immediately update to iOS 15 or iPadOS 15 to remediate this vulnerability, as the access restrictions that were previously inadequate have been strengthened in the updated versions. The fix addresses the core access control issue by implementing improved access restriction mechanisms that prevent unauthorized information leakage. Security administrators should also consider implementing additional network monitoring and anomaly detection measures to identify potential exploitation attempts, particularly in environments where network-level attacks are possible. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of regular security updates and the need for organizations to maintain current operating system versions to protect against known access control weaknesses. Organizations should also review their network infrastructure to ensure that privileged network positions are properly secured and monitored to prevent attackers from gaining the necessary access to exploit this type of vulnerability.