CVE-2010-1780 in Safari
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in WebKit in Apple Safari before 5.0.1 on Mac OS X 10.5 through 10.6 and Windows, and before 4.1.1 on Mac OS X 10.4; and webkitgtk before 1.2.6; allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via vectors related to element focus.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/21/2021
The CVE-2010-1780 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw within the WebKit rendering engine that powers Apple Safari and various other web browsers. This vulnerability exists in multiple versions of Safari across different operating systems including Mac OS X 10.5 through 10.6, Windows platforms, and older versions of webkitgtk. The flaw specifically manifests when handling element focus operations within web pages, creating a dangerous condition where memory previously freed by the application is accessed again by malicious code. The vulnerability falls under CWE-416, which categorizes use-after-free conditions as a serious memory safety issue that can lead to arbitrary code execution or system instability.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a web page containing malicious JavaScript code manipulates DOM elements in a way that triggers the focus event on elements that have already been removed from memory. When the browser attempts to handle the focus event on these freed memory locations, it can either execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the browser process or cause an application crash that results in a denial of service. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage, making it a prime candidate for drive-by attacks. This vulnerability demonstrates the inherent complexity of memory management in modern web browsers where the rapid creation and destruction of DOM elements can create timing windows for exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-1780 extends beyond simple application crashes to potentially enable full system compromise when exploited successfully. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems, potentially leading to complete system takeover or data exfiltration. The vulnerability affects a wide range of systems including older Mac OS X versions and Windows platforms, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where legacy systems may not have been updated. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) techniques, as it allows attackers to execute malicious code and escalate privileges through browser exploitation. The vulnerability also relates to T1211 (Exploitation for Defense Evasion) as attackers can use it to bypass security controls by exploiting the browser's rendering engine directly.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1780 require immediate patching of affected systems with the latest Safari updates from Apple and webkitgtk updates for Linux environments. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing content security policies, and using sandboxing techniques to limit the potential damage from successful exploits. Network-level defenses such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block malicious traffic attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, user education regarding safe browsing practices and avoiding untrusted websites remains crucial. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security updates and the need for organizations to maintain comprehensive patch management programs. From a compliance standpoint, this vulnerability would likely trigger requirements under various security frameworks including ISO 27001, NIST cybersecurity frameworks, and industry-specific regulations that mandate timely vulnerability remediation to maintain security posture and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive systems.