CVE-2010-1181 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 a long string in a MARQUEE element.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1181 represents a critical security flaw in Apple iPhone OS 3.1.3 affecting iPod touch devices and potentially other iOS-based platforms. This issue resides within the Safari web browser implementation and demonstrates how seemingly benign HTML elements can be exploited to compromise system integrity. The vulnerability specifically targets the handling of MARQUEE elements, which are HTML tags used to create scrolling text displays on web pages. The flaw manifests when the browser encounters a maliciously crafted MARQUEE element containing an excessively long string of characters, leading to unpredictable system behavior that can range from application instability to potential code execution.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within Safari's rendering engine. When processing a MARQUEE element with an overly long string, the browser fails to properly handle memory allocation and string processing operations, resulting in buffer overflows or stack corruption. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of "Stack-based Buffer Overflow" and represents a classic example of improper input validation that allows attackers to manipulate system resources. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple denial of service as the memory corruption can potentially be leveraged to execute arbitrary code, making it a serious concern for mobile device security. The specific exploitation mechanism involves crafting a web page with a MARQUEE element containing thousands of characters that exceed the browser's expected processing limits, triggering the underlying memory management failure.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to users of affected Apple devices who may unknowingly encounter malicious web content while browsing. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no user interaction beyond visiting a compromised website, making it a prime candidate for drive-by download attacks or social engineering campaigns. The vulnerability affects not just individual users but also enterprise environments where mobile device management policies may not adequately protect against such browser-based exploits. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of mobile browser security and the potential for web-based attacks to compromise entire operating systems. The risk assessment indicates that while the exploit requires a specific user context, the potential for remote code execution makes it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently access untrusted web content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1181 should focus on immediate patching and system updates to address the underlying memory management issues in Safari's rendering engine. Apple's release of iOS 4.0 and subsequent updates resolved this vulnerability through improved input validation and memory handling procedures. Organizations should implement network-level protections such as web content filtering and proxy configurations to prevent access to known malicious sites. Additionally, user education regarding safe browsing practices and the importance of keeping operating systems updated remains crucial. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the ATT&CK framework's relevance in mobile security contexts, particularly under the T1059 category of "Command and Scripting Interpreter" where browser-based code execution can be leveraged for further exploitation. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual browser behavior and memory allocation patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing of mobile environments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other browser components or operating system services that might present similar attack surfaces.