CVE-2011-0115 in iTunes
Summary
by MITRE
The DOM level 2 implementation in WebKit, as used in Apple iTunes before 10.2 on Windows and Apple Safari, does not properly handle DOM manipulations associated with event listeners during processing of range objects, which 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-2011-0115 resides within the WebKit rendering engine's implementation of Document Object Model level 2 specifications, specifically affecting Apple iTunes versions prior to 10.2 on Windows platforms and Apple Safari browsers. This flaw represents a critical memory corruption issue that emerges during the processing of range objects when event listeners are manipulated within the DOM. The vulnerability manifests when users engage with iTunes Store browsing functionality, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the underlying implementation weakness through carefully crafted DOM manipulations.
The technical exploitation occurs through improper handling of DOM range objects during event listener processing, which creates a memory corruption condition that can be leveraged by attackers positioned in a man-in-the-middle position. This vulnerability specifically targets the interaction between range object manipulation and event listener management within WebKit's DOM implementation, where the engine fails to properly validate or sanitize DOM operations during the processing of range objects. The flaw enables attackers to inject malicious code or trigger application crashes through crafted web content that manipulates DOM elements in a specific sequence involving range objects and event handlers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to encompass potential arbitrary code execution capabilities, making it particularly dangerous for users browsing the iTunes Store or any web content that triggers the affected DOM processing paths. When exploited, the vulnerability can cause unpredictable memory corruption patterns that lead to application crashes, system instability, and potentially allow attackers to execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected application. The memory corruption aspect aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of how improper memory management in DOM processing can create exploitable conditions.
Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by crafting malicious web content or intercepting network traffic during iTunes Store browsing sessions to manipulate DOM range objects in ways that trigger the memory corruption state. The exploit requires network access and the ability to position oneself between the user and the iTunes Store services, making it particularly concerning for users accessing potentially untrusted networks or services. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management in browser engine implementations, particularly when dealing with complex DOM operations that involve multiple object interactions. The issue is distinct from other vulnerabilities referenced in APPLE-SA-2011-03-02-1, indicating it represents a unique code path within the WebKit implementation that requires specific attention and remediation.
The remediation for this vulnerability requires updating to Apple iTunes 10.2 or later versions, which contain patches addressing the DOM manipulation handling during range object processing. Security best practices recommend immediate deployment of these updates, particularly for users who regularly access iTunes Store content or browse web content that may trigger the vulnerable code paths. Organizations should also implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and ensure that all affected systems receive the necessary security updates. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper memory management in browser engine implementations and the potential for seemingly benign DOM operations to create serious security risks when not properly validated and sanitized.