CVE-2014-4488

Vulnerability

IOHIDFamily, a core framework for handling human interface devices in Apple operating systems, contains a vulnerability in how it validates resource-queue metadata. The flaw occurs when a crafted application submits malicious metadata to the IOHIDFamily kernel extension, which fails to properly validate the input. This issue affects Apple iOS before version 8.1.3, Apple OS X before version 10.10.2, and Apple TV before version 7.0.3 [1][2][3].

Exploitation

An attacker must be able to run a specially crafted application on the target device. The application sends malformed resource-queue metadata to the IOHIDFamily kernel extension, triggering the vulnerability. No special network position or user interaction beyond launching the app is required; the app can be installed via standard distribution channels.

Impact

Successful exploitation allows the attacker to execute arbitrary code in the kernel context, leading to complete compromise of the device's confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The attacker gains full system access, bypassing security restrictions.

Mitigation

Apple addressed this vulnerability by releasing updates: iOS 8.1.3, OS X Yosemite 10.10.2, and Apple TV 7.0.3 [1][2][3]. Users should install these updates via the device's software update mechanism. No known workarounds exist for unpatched systems.