CVE-2010-1807 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
WebKit in Apple Safari 4.x before 4.1.2 and 5.x before 5.0.2; Android before 2.2; and webkitgtk before 1.2.6; does not properly validate floating-point data, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via a crafted HTML document, related to non-standard NaN representation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1807 represents a critical flaw in WebKit-based browsers that affects multiple platforms including Apple Safari, Android browsers, and webkitgtk implementations. This issue stems from improper validation of floating-point data within the WebKit rendering engine, creating a pathway for remote code execution and denial of service attacks through maliciously crafted HTML documents. The vulnerability specifically targets the handling of non-standard NaN (Not a Number) representations in floating-point arithmetic operations.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the WebKit engine's insufficient validation mechanisms for floating-point data types, particularly when processing non-standard NaN values. When a malicious HTML document contains specially crafted floating-point operations with invalid NaN representations, the browser's JavaScript engine fails to properly sanitize these inputs before execution. This improper validation creates a condition where attackers can manipulate the floating-point unit's behavior to execute arbitrary code or force application crashes. The flaw operates at the intersection of floating-point arithmetic handling and memory management within the browser's JavaScript engine, making it particularly dangerous for remote exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple browser implementations and operating systems, creating widespread exposure for users. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by constructing HTML documents that contain malicious floating-point operations designed to trigger buffer overflows or memory corruption conditions. The attack surface includes web applications, email clients, and any environment where users might encounter malicious HTML content. The vulnerability's exploitation can result in complete system compromise, as successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the compromised browser process, potentially leading to full system takeover.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which describes "Integer Overflow or Wraparound," and relates to the broader category of floating-point precision issues that can lead to memory corruption. The attack pattern corresponds to techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under T1203, specifically targeting the execution of malicious code through browser-based attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly benign floating-point operations can become attack vectors when proper input validation is absent. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems, as the vulnerability affects multiple browser versions and platforms, creating extensive attack surface exposure.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch deployment for all affected browser versions, including Safari 4.x before 4.1.2 and 5.x before 5.0.2, Android versions before 2.2, and webkitgtk before 1.2.6. Additionally, network-level defenses such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can provide additional protection by blocking suspicious HTML content. Browser security enhancements including sandboxing mechanisms and strict input validation should be enabled to reduce the potential impact of similar future vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify and remediate similar issues in other browser components and web applications.