CVE-2010-1783 in Safari
Summary
by MITRE
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; does not properly handle dynamic modification of a text node, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption and application crash) via a crafted HTML document.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/21/2021
This vulnerability resides in the WebKit rendering engine used by Apple Safari and other web browsers, specifically affecting versions prior to 5.0.1 on Mac OS X 10.5 through 10.6 and Windows, 4.1.1 on Mac OS X 10.4, and webkitgtk versions before 1.2.6. The core issue involves improper handling of dynamic text node modifications within HTML documents, creating a critical security flaw that can be exploited remotely by malicious actors. This vulnerability represents a classic memory corruption issue that falls under CWE-121, which deals with stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and more specifically aligns with CWE-787, representing out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities that can lead to arbitrary code execution.
The technical flaw manifests when WebKit processes HTML documents containing crafted text node modifications that occur dynamically during page rendering. When a web page attempts to modify text nodes in ways that the browser's rendering engine does not properly validate or handle, it results in memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code on the victim's system. This type of vulnerability operates at the intersection of browser security and memory management, where improper bounds checking during dynamic content modification leads to exploitable conditions. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through standard web browsing activities, making it an attractive target for attackers who can deliver malicious HTML content through compromised websites or email attachments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes to potentially enable complete system compromise. Attackers can craft HTML documents that, when viewed in affected browsers, trigger memory corruption conditions that may allow them to execute malicious code with the privileges of the browser process. This creates a significant threat landscape where users can be compromised simply by visiting malicious websites or opening infected email attachments. The vulnerability affects multiple operating systems and browser versions, amplifying its potential impact across various user bases. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as successful exploitation can lead to privilege elevation and persistent access to victim systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1783 focus primarily on immediate patching and browser updates to the latest secure versions of Safari and WebKit-based browsers. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive updates promptly. Additional defensive measures include implementing web content filtering solutions, enabling sandboxing features where available, and educating users about the risks of visiting untrusted websites. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of regular security updates and proper browser security configurations. Security professionals should also consider implementing browser hardening techniques and monitoring for suspicious web traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Given the nature of the vulnerability, which involves memory corruption and arbitrary code execution, organizations should maintain robust incident response procedures and conduct regular security assessments to identify potential exploitation vectors.