CVE-2015-5757

Vulnerability

A memory corruption vulnerability exists in the libpthread library on Apple iOS versions prior to 8.4.1 and OS X versions prior to 10.10.5. The flaw is triggered when an application uses a crafted syscall to interfere with locking mechanisms within libpthread, leading to memory corruption. This issue affects all devices running the vulnerable operating system versions [1][2].

Exploitation

An attacker must have the ability to run a malicious application on the target device. The application then issues a specially crafted syscall that disrupts the normal locking operations in libpthread, causing memory corruption. No additional authentication or network access is required beyond the ability to execute code on the device [1][2].

Impact

Successful exploitation allows the attacker to execute arbitrary code in a privileged context, potentially gaining elevated system privileges. Alternatively, the attacker can cause a denial of service through memory corruption. The impact is a full compromise of the device's security, including access to sensitive data and system control [1][2].

Mitigation

Apple addressed this vulnerability in iOS 8.4.1 and OS X Yosemite 10.10.5 (Security Update 2015-006). Users should update their devices to these or later versions. No workarounds are available, and the vulnerability is not listed on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog [1][2].