CVE-2008-1026 in Safari
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the PCRE regular expression compiler (JavaScriptCore/pcre/pcre_compile.cpp) in Apple WebKit, as used in safari before 3.1.1, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a regular expression with large, nested repetition counts, which triggers a heap-based buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/16/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1026 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the PCRE regular expression compiler component of Apple WebKit's JavaScriptCore engine. This vulnerability specifically affects Safari web browser versions prior to 3.1.1 and stems from improper handling of regular expression compilation processes. The flaw exists in the JavaScriptCore/pcre/pcre_compile.cpp source file where the system fails to adequately validate or constrain repetition counts within regular expressions, creating a condition where maliciously crafted patterns can trigger unintended memory behavior.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the fundamental weakness in integer arithmetic handling during regular expression processing. When a regular expression contains large, nested repetition counts, the compiler's internal counters can exceed their maximum representable values, causing integer overflow conditions. This overflow subsequently leads to heap-based buffer overflow scenarios where the system attempts to allocate memory regions that exceed the intended boundaries. The overflow occurs during the compilation phase of regular expressions rather than execution, making it particularly insidious as it can be triggered simply by loading a malicious webpage containing crafted regular expressions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise capabilities for remote attackers. The heap-based buffer overflow creates opportunities for memory corruption that can be leveraged to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected browser process. This represents a severe security risk as users can be exploited merely by visiting compromised websites or viewing malicious content within web pages. The vulnerability affects web applications and browser functionality across all operating systems where affected Safari versions are deployed, creating a broad attack surface for threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1026 primarily focus on immediate version updates and browser patching protocols. Users must upgrade to Safari 3.1.1 or later versions where Apple has implemented proper integer overflow protections within the PCRE compiler. System administrators should enforce automated patch management processes to ensure all affected browser installations are updated promptly. Additionally, organizations can implement network-level protections through web application firewalls and content filtering systems that can detect and block suspicious regular expression patterns. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script-based attacks and T1595.001 for reconnaissance activities targeting web application vulnerabilities. Security teams should also consider implementing regular vulnerability scanning procedures to identify and remediate similar integer overflow conditions in other software components that may be susceptible to similar exploitation patterns.