Adversaries may exploit software vulnerabilities in client applications to execute code. Vulnerabilities can exist in software due to insecure coding practices that can lead to unanticipated behavior. Adversaries may take advantage of certain vulnerabilities through targeted exploitation for the purpose of arbitrary code execution. Oftentimes the most valuable exploits to an offensive toolkit are those that can be used to obtain code execution on a remote system because they can be used to gain access to that system. Users will expect to see files related to the applications they commonly used to do work, so they are a useful target for exploit research and development because of their high utility.
Adversaries may use device-based zero-click exploits for code execution. These exploits are powerful because there is no user interaction required for code execution.
SMS and iMessage in iOS are common targets through Drive-By Compromise, Phishing, etc. Adversaries may use embed malicious links, files, etc. in SMS messages or iMessages. Mobile devices may be compromised through one-click exploits, where the victim must interact with a text message, or zero-click exploits, where no user interaction is required.
Unique to iOS, AirDrop is a network protocol that allows iOS users to transfer files between iOS devices. Before patches from Apple were released, on iOS 13.4 and earlier, adversaries may force the Apple Wireless Direct Link (AWDL) interface to activate, then exploit a buffer overflow to gain access to the device and run as root without interaction from the user.
| ID | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| S1185 | LightSpy |
LightSpy has compromised iPhones running iOS 12.1 and 12.2 without any user interaction.[1] |
| C0054 | Operation Triangulation |
During Operation Triangulation, the threat actors sent iMessage messages with malicious exploits that executed without user interaction.[2][3][4] Additionally, the threat actors have used various exploits, such as CVE-2023-41990, CVE-2023-32435, CVE-2023-32434 and CVE-2023-38606, to obtain privilege escalation.[4] |
| S0289 | Pegasus for iOS |
Pegasus for iOS can compromise iPhones running iOS 16.6 without any user interaction.[5] |
| ID | Mitigation | Description |
|---|---|---|
| M1001 | Security Updates |
Security updates frequently contain patches to vulnerabilities. |
| M1011 | User Guidance |
Users should be wary of iMessages from unknown senders. Additionally, users should be instructed not to open unrecognized links or other attachments in text messages. |
| ID | Name | Analytic ID | Analytic Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| DET0629 | Detection of Exploitation for Client Execution | AN1699 |
For Android, detect Exploitation for Client Execution by correlating analyst-visible device/network evidence and management state; use streaming or batched telemetry only where the documented collector is deployed. Correlate Host Status via Android Enterprise DPC [DevicePolicyManager policy/compliance/security-state queries and SecurityLog events where supported]; Network Connection Creation via Android Enterprise Network Logging / Enterprise VPN [DevicePolicyManager.retrieveNetworkLogs(): DnsEvent / ConnectEvent; VPN flow metadata]; Process Creation via Application Vetting / Managed Device Telemetry [execve()]. Alert on a sequence or state change inconsistent with the device/app baseline, approved management policy, or expected user workflow; do not infer unobserved API calls, file/process activity, or payload content from management state alone. |
| AN1700 |
For iOS, detect Exploitation for Client Execution by correlating analyst-visible device/network evidence and management state; use streaming or batched telemetry only where the documented collector is deployed. Correlate Host Status via Apple MDM [DeviceInformation / SecurityInfo / ProfileList / restrictions and compliance queries]; Network Connection Creation via Apple Network Extension / Enterprise VPN [NEFilterFlow / per-app VPN / secure-web-gateway flow metadata]; Process Creation via Application Vetting / Managed Device Telemetry [com.apple.WebContent or com.apple.imagent process shows unexpected child spawn or memory fault at level=fault in Unified Log — kernel fault in message-processing subsystem is exploit execution signal]. Alert on a sequence or state change inconsistent with the device/app baseline, approved management policy, or expected user workflow; do not infer unobserved API calls, file/process activity, or payload content from management state alone. |