CVE-2011-0141 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 • 01/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0141 represents a critical security flaw in Apple iTunes version 10.1 and earlier on Windows platforms. This issue stems from WebKit component vulnerabilities that are integral to the iTunes Store browsing functionality. The flaw enables man-in-the-middle attackers to exploit the system through specific vectors related to iTunes Store interactions, creating a pathway for malicious actors to compromise the affected systems. The vulnerability operates within the context of network-based attacks where attackers can intercept and manipulate communication between iTunes and Apple's servers during store browsing operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves memory corruption issues that occur during the processing of web content within iTunes Store browsing contexts. When users navigate through the iTunes Store interface on affected versions, the WebKit rendering engine fails to properly validate or sanitize incoming data, leading to potential memory corruption scenarios. This memory corruption can manifest as application crashes or more severely, allow for arbitrary code execution within the iTunes process context. The flaw is particularly concerning because it leverages the trust relationship between iTunes and Apple's servers, making it difficult for users to detect the compromise.
From an operational perspective, the impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enabling complete system compromise. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can execute malicious code with the privileges of the iTunes process, which typically runs with elevated permissions on Windows systems. This could lead to full system compromise, data theft, or the installation of additional malware. The vulnerability affects a significant user base since iTunes was widely distributed and used for various media management tasks, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking persistent access to user systems.
The exploitability of this vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage, and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. The vulnerability also maps to CWE-119 which describes weaknesses in memory management, specifically related to insufficient protection against memory corruption. The attack surface is particularly broad since iTunes Store browsing is a common user activity that occurs frequently, increasing the window of opportunity for exploitation. Organizations and users should consider this vulnerability as part of broader security assessments, particularly in environments where iTunes is deployed or where users may be exposed to untrusted network conditions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0141 primarily focus on immediate software updates to iTunes version 10.2 or later, which contain patches addressing the WebKit memory corruption issues. Network administrators should implement additional security measures including firewall rules that restrict access to Apple's iTunes Store domains, and consider network monitoring to detect unusual traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Users should be educated about the risks of browsing the iTunes Store over untrusted networks and encouraged to update their software promptly. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping all software components updated, particularly those that handle web content rendering, as these components often represent high-value targets for attackers due to their complex codebases and frequent exposure to external content.