CVE-2014-4421

Vulnerability

The network-statistics interface in the kernel of Apple iOS (versions prior to 8) and Apple TV (versions prior to 7) does not properly initialize memory. This flaw allows a crafted application to read sensitive memory content and memory layout information from the kernel. The issue is distinct from CVE-2014-4371, CVE-2014-4419, and CVE-2014-4420 [1][4].

Exploitation

An attacker must run a specially crafted application on the affected device. No special network position or authentication is required beyond the ability to execute code. The application can trigger the uninitialized memory read to extract kernel memory contents, including potentially sensitive data and memory layout details.

Impact

Successful exploitation results in the disclosure of sensitive kernel memory content and memory layout information. This could aid an attacker in bypassing security mechanisms such as ASLR or in obtaining confidential data from kernel memory, increasing the risk of further compromise.

Mitigation

Apple addressed this vulnerability in iOS 8 and Apple TV 7. Users should update their devices to these versions or later. No workaround is available. The fixes were released in September 2014 [1][4].