CVE-2010-1177 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
Safari on Apple iPhone OS 3.1.3 for iPod touch allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via vectors involving document.write calls with long crafted strings.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-1177 represents a critical security flaw in Apple's Safari browser implementation on iOS devices, specifically affecting iPhone OS 3.1.3 for iPod touch models. This issue stems from improper handling of document.write function calls when processing excessively long crafted strings, creating a potential pathway for remote exploitation that could result in either application instability or unauthorized code execution. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic buffer overflow condition within the web rendering engine's string processing capabilities, where the browser fails to adequately validate input length before attempting to process it through the document.write API.
The technical nature of this flaw aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of length of input buffers, and specifically manifests as a memory corruption vulnerability within the JavaScript engine's handling of dynamic content generation. When Safari processes a document.write call containing an overly long crafted string, the browser's memory management system becomes overwhelmed, leading to stack corruption or heap overflow conditions that can trigger unpredictable behavior. The vulnerability exploits the lack of proper bounds checking in the string processing routines, allowing attackers to craft malicious web pages that, when loaded in Safari, cause the browser to crash or potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the browser process. This represents a significant concern given that the iPhone OS 3.1.3 was widely deployed and the vulnerability could be exploited through standard web browsing activities without requiring any special user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-1177 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as the potential for arbitrary code execution places users at risk of complete system compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to install malicious software, access sensitive user data, or establish persistent backdoors on affected devices. The remote exploit nature means that users could be compromised simply by visiting a malicious website, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in mobile environments where users frequently browse the internet and may not be aware of the security risks. The vulnerability also demonstrates weaknesses in Apple's input validation processes within their web browser implementation, highlighting the importance of robust security testing for mobile operating systems where users increasingly rely on web-based applications for critical functions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of Apple's security patches and updates to the affected iOS versions, as well as implementing network-level protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious document.write patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing browser hardening measures, including disabling unnecessary JavaScript features, implementing content security policies, and using sandboxing techniques to limit the potential impact of successful exploits. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for JavaScript execution and T1499.004 for network denial of service, emphasizing the multi-faceted nature of the threat. Users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping their mobile devices updated with the latest security patches. Additionally, network administrators should monitor for suspicious traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts and maintain robust incident response procedures to quickly address any potential compromise of affected systems.