CVE-2008-1010 in Safari
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in WebKit, as used in Apple Safari before 3.1, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted regular expressions in JavaScript.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1010 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the WebKit rendering engine that powers Apple Safari browsers prior to version 3.1. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the JavaScript engine's regular expression processing capabilities, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit memory corruption vulnerabilities. The flaw exists in the way WebKit handles complex regular expression patterns, specifically when processing malformed or excessively nested regex constructs that exceed buffer boundaries. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of Stack-based Buffer Overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a malicious website delivers JavaScript code containing crafted regular expressions that trigger buffer overflow conditions during pattern compilation or execution phases. Attackers can construct specially designed regex patterns that cause the WebKit JavaScript engine to allocate insufficient buffer space for processing, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the compromised browser process. The attack vector requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage, making it particularly dangerous as it can be delivered through various means including phishing campaigns, malicious advertisements, or compromised websites.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-1010 extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete browser compromise and potential system access. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript execution and T1203 for exploitation for execution, representing a classic remote code execution vector that can be used to establish persistent access or escalate privileges. The vulnerability affects all versions of Apple Safari before 3.1, including various iOS versions and desktop operating systems, creating a widespread attack surface that was particularly concerning given Safari's market share and integration with Apple's ecosystem. The memory corruption can be leveraged to bypass security mechanisms such as stack canaries, data execution prevention, and address space layout randomization, making exploitation more reliable and dangerous.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate patching and updating to Safari 3.1 or later versions where the buffer overflow protections have been implemented. System administrators should enforce automatic update policies for Safari and related components to prevent exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities. Browser security configurations can be enhanced by implementing strict content filtering and sandboxing mechanisms, though these provide only partial protection against sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on input validation and memory management practices, particularly in JavaScript engines and regular expression processors. Organizations should implement network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify and block malicious JavaScript patterns associated with known exploit signatures for this specific vulnerability.