CVE-2010-1781 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
Double free vulnerability in WebKit in Apple iOS before 4.1 on the iPhone and iPod touch allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via vectors related to the rendering of an inline element.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2021
The CVE-2010-1781 vulnerability represents a critical double free memory corruption flaw within Apple iOS WebKit implementation that affected versions prior to 4.1. This vulnerability resides in the browser engine's handling of inline elements during HTML rendering processes, creating a condition where memory allocated for web content could be freed twice in rapid succession. The flaw specifically manifests when WebKit processes certain malformed HTML structures containing inline elements, leading to unpredictable memory state conditions that attackers can exploit remotely. The vulnerability's classification as a double free error aligns with CWE-415, which describes the improper handling of memory that has already been freed, creating potential for arbitrary code execution or system instability. This issue directly impacts the core browser functionality of iOS devices, affecting both iPhone and iPod touch models running vulnerable versions of the operating system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through remote code execution via specially crafted web content that triggers the memory corruption during rendering operations. When a web page contains malformed inline HTML elements, the WebKit rendering engine's memory management routines fail to properly track the allocated memory blocks, resulting in a situation where the same memory location gets deallocated twice. This condition creates a heap corruption state that attackers can manipulate to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application process. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-416, which addresses the use of freed memory, and can potentially lead to privilege escalation or complete system compromise. The attack vector requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous for mobile environments where users frequently browse untrusted content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes, as it provides attackers with a pathway to execute arbitrary code remotely on affected iOS devices. Mobile devices running iOS versions before 4.1 become vulnerable to remote exploitation through web-based attacks, potentially allowing threat actors to gain unauthorized access to sensitive device data, install malicious applications, or perform surveillance activities. The vulnerability affects the fundamental security model of iOS by undermining the memory safety mechanisms that protect against such exploits. The risk is compounded by the fact that iOS devices are often used to access sensitive corporate or personal information, making this vulnerability particularly attractive to sophisticated threat actors. This flaw represents a significant weakening of the device's security posture and demonstrates the importance of timely patch management for mobile operating systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1781 primarily involve applying the official iOS 4.1 security update from Apple, which addresses the memory management flaw in WebKit's rendering engine. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management policies to ensure all iOS devices receive security updates promptly, as this vulnerability was part of a broader class of memory corruption issues that could be exploited for remote code execution. System administrators should also consider implementing network-based security controls such as web content filtering and sandboxing measures to reduce exposure while waiting for patches. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers the use of web shells and remote code execution through browser-based attacks, highlighting the need for layered defensive approaches. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of maintaining up-to-date device software to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.