CVE-2010-1791 in Safari
Summary
by MITRE
Integer signedness error 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, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via vectors involving a JavaScript array index.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/21/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1791 represents a critical integer signedness error within the WebKit rendering engine that powers Apple Safari browsers across multiple operating systems. This flaw exists in Safari versions prior to 5.0.1 on Mac OS X 10.5 through 10.6 and Windows platforms, as well as before 4.1.1 on Mac OS X 10.4. The issue stems from improper handling of integer values during JavaScript array index operations, creating a condition where signed and unsigned integer types are incorrectly processed. Such errors in memory management and type handling are classified under CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow and signedness errors in software implementations. The vulnerability manifests when JavaScript code attempts to access array elements using indices that trigger unexpected behavior in the underlying integer arithmetic operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully crafted JavaScript code that manipulates array indices in ways that exploit the signedness error within WebKit's memory management routines. When a JavaScript array is accessed with an index that causes the integer to overflow or incorrectly interpret signed versus unsigned values, the browser's memory allocation and access mechanisms can become corrupted. This leads to unpredictable behavior where the application may attempt to access memory locations outside the bounds of the intended array, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause application crashes. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through web content that users might encounter during normal browsing activities, making it a prime target for drive-by attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-1791 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to encompass full code execution capabilities that can compromise user systems. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to inject malicious code into the browser environment, potentially gaining unauthorized access to system resources, stealing sensitive information, or establishing persistent access points. The vulnerability affects a wide range of users since Safari was widely deployed across both desktop and mobile platforms, making it an attractive target for cybercriminals seeking to maximize their attack surface. Organizations and individuals using affected versions of Safari faced significant risk of compromise, particularly in environments where users might encounter malicious web content through email attachments, compromised websites, or social engineering campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Safari versions to the latest secure releases that address the integer signedness error in WebKit. Users should ensure their systems are updated to Safari 5.0.1 or later on Mac OS X 10.5 through 10.6, and Safari 4.1.1 or later on Mac OS X 10.4. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive updates promptly. Additional defensive measures include deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious JavaScript patterns, implementing browser security policies that restrict potentially dangerous JavaScript operations, and maintaining awareness of the ATT&CK framework's techniques for command and control operations that might leverage such vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of rigorous code review processes and proper handling of integer types in security-critical software components, particularly in browser engines that process untrusted content from multiple sources.