CVE-2011-0112 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.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/18/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0112 represents a critical security flaw in Apple iTunes version 10.1 and earlier on Windows platforms. This issue specifically affects the WebKit rendering engine component that iTunes employs for displaying content from the iTunes Store, creating a significant attack surface that could be exploited by malicious actors positioned between users and the iTunes Store servers. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of web content within the iTunes application's browsing functionality, particularly when users navigate through iTunes Store content.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through man-in-the-middle attack vectors where attackers can manipulate network traffic between the iTunes client and Apple's iTunes Store servers. The flaw manifests as memory corruption issues that can lead to arbitrary code execution or denial of service conditions. When iTunes processes certain web content from the iTunes Store, the WebKit engine fails to properly validate or sanitize input data, allowing attackers to craft malicious responses that trigger memory corruption during normal browsing operations. This memory corruption can result in application crashes or potentially enable remote code execution depending on the specific conditions and attack vectors employed by the adversary.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application instability, as it represents a fundamental security weakness in Apple's client-side software that could be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. Attackers could potentially execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems, allowing them to install malware, steal user credentials, or gain unauthorized access to system resources. The vulnerability's classification as a memory corruption issue aligns with common attack patterns documented in the attack mitigation framework, where such flaws often serve as initial access vectors for broader compromise operations. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where iTunes might be used for software distribution or media management.
Security researchers have categorized this vulnerability according to the Common Weakness Enumeration standard, where it would likely map to CWE-119 Improper Restriction of Operations within a Memory Buffer. The attack pattern closely aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, though in this case the attack vector is more specifically related to memory corruption within the browser engine rather than direct scripting execution. The vulnerability demonstrates how client-side components in media applications can become attack vectors when proper input validation and memory management practices are not implemented. Organizations should consider implementing network monitoring and intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts, while also ensuring timely patch deployment to address the underlying WebKit memory handling issues. The fix required for this vulnerability involved updating the WebKit rendering engine component within iTunes to properly validate and sanitize all incoming web content, preventing the memory corruption conditions that enabled exploitation.