CVE-2011-0142 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 • 01/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0142 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 opportunities for malicious actors to exploit the system through man-in-the-middle attack scenarios. The flaw manifests when users browse the iTunes Store content, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through normal user activities without requiring specialized knowledge or tools. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition, which is a common vector for memory corruption exploits in web rendering engines.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves manipulating network traffic between the iTunes client and Apple's iTunes Store servers, allowing attackers to inject malicious content that triggers memory corruption within the WebKit engine. When iTunes processes specially crafted responses from the compromised server, the WebKit component fails to properly handle the malformed data, leading to memory corruption that can result in arbitrary code execution or application crashes. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes exploitation of remote services, specifically targeting web browsers and rendering engines. The memory corruption occurs due to inadequate bounds checking and improper memory allocation handling within the WebKit rendering pipeline, particularly when processing HTML content and JavaScript from the iTunes Store.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0142 extends beyond simple application instability, as it provides attackers with potential pathways for system compromise. Users engaging in normal iTunes Store browsing activities become vulnerable to attacks that could result in complete system compromise, especially when the target system is running vulnerable versions of iTunes. The vulnerability's nature makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where iTunes might be used for software distribution or where users frequently access the iTunes Store for legitimate purposes. The memory corruption issues can manifest as unpredictable application behavior, system crashes, or potentially allow for privilege escalation depending on the execution environment. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of keeping software components updated, particularly those that handle network communications and content rendering.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0142 primarily involve immediate patching of iTunes to version 10.2 or later, which includes fixes for the WebKit memory management issues. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect potential man-in-the-middle attacks and ensure that all iTunes installations are updated to the latest versions. The vulnerability highlights the necessity of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the importance of network security controls such as SSL certificate validation and traffic inspection. Users should be educated about the risks of browsing untrusted networks and the importance of using secure connections when accessing iTunes Store content. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing network segmentation and firewall rules to limit access to iTunes Store services, reducing the attack surface. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in web rendering engines, as recommended by various security frameworks including the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.