CVE-2011-0119 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-2011-0119 represents a critical security flaw within 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. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and memory management practices within the WebKit implementation, creating exploitable conditions that adversaries can leverage for malicious purposes. The flaw manifests during the process of browsing iTunes Store content, where the application fails to properly sanitize or validate web content received from remote servers, opening pathways for code execution and system compromise.
This vulnerability operates through a man-in-the-middle attack vector, where an attacker positioned between the user and Apple's iTunes Store servers can intercept and manipulate web traffic. The exploitation mechanism involves sending specially crafted content that triggers memory corruption within the WebKit engine, leading to either arbitrary code execution or denial of service conditions. The memory corruption occurs due to improper handling of dynamically allocated memory structures when processing web content, particularly affecting how the browser engine manages JavaScript execution contexts and DOM objects. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition, though it manifests more specifically as a memory corruption issue that can be leveraged for privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application instability, as it provides attackers with potential pathways for system compromise. When successful, the memory corruption can result in arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the iTunes process, which typically runs with elevated permissions on Windows systems. This creates opportunities for attackers to install malware, steal user credentials, or establish persistent access to affected systems. The denial of service component of the vulnerability can be used for disruption attacks, where legitimate users are prevented from accessing iTunes Store functionality. The vulnerability's presence in the Windows version of iTunes specifically targets users who rely on iTunes for media management and store purchases, making it particularly concerning for both personal and enterprise users.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0119 focus primarily on immediate patch deployment and network-level protections. Apple addressed this vulnerability through the release of iTunes 10.2, which includes updated WebKit components with improved input validation and memory management routines. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of this patch across all affected systems, particularly in enterprise environments where iTunes is widely used. Network administrators can implement additional protections such as DNS filtering and content inspection to detect and block malicious traffic patterns associated with this vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, highlighting the multi-stage nature of potential exploitation. Security monitoring should focus on anomalous iTunes process behavior, unexpected memory usage patterns, and unusual network connections to the iTunes Store. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for outdated iTunes installations, particularly in environments where legacy systems may not receive automatic updates.