Apple iOS Information Disclosure
CVE-2016-4655 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Iphone OS from Apple, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 5.5 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists version 9.3.5 as the first without the flaw, so updating Iphone OS to that release or later removes the exposure. CISA added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on May 24, 2022, which means attacks have been observed in the wild.
Attackers are already exploiting this vulnerability, according to CISA.
What to do
- Update Iphone OS to 9.3.5 or a later version.
- CISA's required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
- Read the advisory on support.apple.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
Version data comes from NVD's product matching. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- NoneNothing can be modified.
- Availability
- NoneAvailability is not affected.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 5.5 | Medium | NVD |
| CVSS 3.1 | 5.5 | Medium | CISA (ADP) |
| CVSS 2.0 | 7.1 | High | NVD |
Official description
The kernel in Apple iOS before 9.3.5 allows attackers to obtain sensitive information from memory via a crafted app.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue.
- Deadline for US federal agencies to remediate, set by CISA.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: active, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Third-party and government advisories
- cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2016-4655US Government Resource
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
- exploit-db.com/exploits/44836/Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
Other vulnerabilities in Iphone OS
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
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