CVE-2011-0111 in iTunes
Summary
by MITRE
WebKit, as used in Apple iTunes before 10.2 on Windows, allows man-in-the-middle attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption and application crash) via vectors related to iTunes Store browsing, a different vulnerability than other CVEs listed in APPLE-SA-2011-03-02-1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/18/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0111 represents a critical security flaw in Apple iTunes version 10.1 and earlier on Windows platforms that exposes users to significant risks during iTunes Store browsing activities. This vulnerability specifically affects the WebKit rendering engine component that Apple integrated into iTunes for web content display and user interface elements. The flaw manifests during the process of browsing the iTunes Store, where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize web content received from remote servers, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors positioned in network traffic paths.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory handling within the WebKit engine's processing of web content, particularly when rendering iTunes Store pages that may contain maliciously crafted HTML or JavaScript code. Attackers can exploit this weakness through man-in-the-middle attacks where they intercept network traffic between the user's computer and Apple's iTunes Store servers. The vulnerability allows for memory corruption that can lead to arbitrary code execution, enabling attackers to gain control over the affected system, or alternatively cause a denial of service condition resulting in application crashes and system instability. This memory corruption occurs during the parsing and rendering of web content that iTunes encounters during normal browsing operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0111 extends beyond simple application instability, as it creates a persistent security risk for users who regularly access the iTunes Store for music, video, or software purchases. The vulnerability's exploitation potential means that users could unknowingly download and execute malicious code while performing routine activities such as browsing music catalogs, viewing product information, or accessing promotional content. This risk is particularly concerning given that iTunes was widely used and often ran with elevated privileges on Windows systems, potentially allowing successful exploitation to result in full system compromise. The vulnerability affects a broad user base since iTunes was a core component of Apple's ecosystem and was frequently used for legitimate commerce.
Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes "Out-of-bounds Read" conditions that can lead to memory corruption, and may also relate to CWE-787, "Out-of-bounds Write" conditions that can cause similar memory corruption issues. The attack pattern associated with this vulnerability follows the MITRE ATT&CK framework's techniques for privilege escalation and code execution through network-based attacks. Organizations and individuals should immediately update to iTunes version 10.2 or later, which includes patches addressing this specific memory handling issue. Additionally, network administrators should implement monitoring for suspicious traffic patterns that might indicate man-in-the-middle attacks targeting this vulnerability, while users should avoid untrusted networks when accessing iTunes Store content and ensure their systems maintain current security updates. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management in web rendering engines, particularly when dealing with content from potentially untrusted sources.