CVE-2010-3803 in Safari
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in WebKit in Apple Safari before 5.0.3 on Mac OS X 10.5 through 10.6 and Windows, and before 4.1.3 on Mac OS X 10.4, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via a crafted string.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/05/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3803 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the WebKit rendering engine that powers Apple Safari browsers across multiple operating systems. This issue affects Safari versions prior to 5.0.3 on Mac OS X 10.5 through 10.6 and Windows platforms, as well as versions before 4.1.3 on Mac OS X 10.4. The flaw stems from improper handling of string data structures within the browser's JavaScript engine, creating conditions where maliciously crafted input can trigger unexpected behavior in memory management operations. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-190 as an integer overflow, where an integer value exceeds its maximum representable range, leading to unpredictable program execution patterns.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when WebKit processes crafted strings that cause integer variables to overflow during memory allocation calculations. When the browser encounters such malformed input, the overflowed integer values can result in incorrect memory buffer sizes being allocated, potentially leading to memory corruption. Attackers can leverage this condition to manipulate the browser's memory layout, enabling arbitrary code execution or forcing application crashes. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through web content loaded from remote servers, making it a prime candidate for drive-by download attacks that require no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-3803 extends beyond simple application instability to encompass full system compromise potential. The integer overflow creates a condition where attackers can manipulate heap memory structures, potentially enabling them to execute malicious code with the privileges of the browser process. This represents a significant threat vector in the context of the ATT&CK framework, specifically relating to techniques involving code injection and privilege escalation. The vulnerability affects a wide range of systems since it spans multiple operating system versions and platforms, making it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking broad exploitation capabilities. Organizations running affected Safari versions face substantial risk of unauthorized access, data exfiltration, and system compromise through this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3803 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment and browser updates to the latest stable versions. System administrators should prioritize updating Safari to versions 5.0.3 or later on Mac OS X 10.5 through 10.6, and 4.1.3 or later on Mac OS X 10.4. Additionally, implementing network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions can provide temporary defense while patches are deployed. Browser security enhancements including sandboxing features and strict memory management controls should be enabled to reduce the potential impact of exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems running outdated browser versions, as this vulnerability represents a persistent risk that can be exploited across extended time periods without proper remediation measures.