CVE-2011-3442
Description
The kernel in Apple iOS before 5.0.1 does not ensure the validity of flag combinations for an mmap system call, which allows local users to execute arbitrary unsigned code via a crafted app.
AI Insight
LLM-synthesized narrative grounded in this CVE's description and references.
iOS kernel before 5.0.1 fails to validate mmap flag combinations, allowing a crafted app to execute arbitrary unsigned code.
Vulnerability
The kernel in Apple iOS versions prior to 5.0.1 does not ensure the validity of flag combinations for an mmap system call. This allows a local application to bypass code-signing checks by passing an invalid combination of flags, leading to the execution of unsigned code. The vulnerability affects all devices running iOS 3.0 through 5.0, including iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod touch (3rd generation and later), iPad, and iPad 2 [1].
Exploitation
An attacker must have the ability to run a crafted application on the device. No additional privileges or user interaction beyond launching the app are required. The app invokes mmap with a specially crafted combination of flags that the kernel fails to validate, thereby mapping memory with executable permissions for unsigned code.
Impact
Successful exploitation allows the attacker to execute arbitrary unsigned code within the context of the app, effectively bypassing iOS's code-signing enforcement. This can lead to full compromise of the app's sandbox and potentially further privilege escalation, though the scope is limited to the user's sandbox.
Mitigation
Apple addressed this issue in iOS 5.0.1, released on November 10, 2011 [1]. Users should update their devices to iOS 5.0.1 or later via iTunes. No workarounds are available for unpatched versions.
AI Insight generated on May 24, 2026. Synthesized from this CVE's description and the cited reference URLs; citations are validated against the source bundle.
Affected products
13cpe:2.3:o:apple:iphone_os:4.3.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*+ 11 more
- cpe:2.3:o:apple:iphone_os:4.3.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:o:apple:iphone_os:4.3.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:o:apple:iphone_os:4.3.2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:o:apple:iphone_os:4.3.3:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:o:apple:iphone_os:4.3.4:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:o:apple:iphone_os:4.3.5:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:o:apple:iphone_os:4.3.5:-:ipad:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:o:apple:iphone_os:4.3.5:-:ipodtouch:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:o:apple:iphone_os:5.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:o:apple:iphone_os:5.0:-:ipad:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:o:apple:iphone_os:5.0:-:iphone:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:o:apple:iphone_os:5.0:-:ipodtouch:*:*:*:*:*
- Range: <5.0.1
Patches
0No patches discovered yet.
Vulnerability mechanics
AI mechanics synthesis has not run for this CVE yet.
References
3- lists.apple.com/archives/Security-announce/2011/Nov/msg00001.htmlnvdVendor Advisory
- support.apple.com/kb/HT5052nvdVendor Advisory
- www.securitytracker.com/idnvd
News mentions
0No linked articles in our index yet.