CVE-2011-0149 in iTunes
Summary
by MITRE
WebKit, as used in Apple iTunes before 10.2 on Windows, does not properly parse HTML elements associated with document namespaces, 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 a "dangling pointer" and 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-2011-0149 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Apple iTunes 10.1 and earlier versions running on Windows platforms. This issue stems from WebKit's insufficient handling of HTML elements that utilize document namespaces, creating a dangerous condition that can be exploited by malicious actors positioned between the user and target servers. The flaw specifically manifests during iTunes Store browsing operations when the application processes malformed HTML content that contains namespace-related elements. Security researchers have classified this vulnerability as a dangling pointer issue, where previously freed memory locations are accessed, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential code execution. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple application instability, as it can result in complete system compromise through arbitrary code execution or denial of service conditions that cause application crashes.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the inherent weaknesses in WebKit's HTML parsing engine, particularly when processing namespace declarations within HTML documents. When iTunes encounters specially crafted HTML content containing malformed namespace elements, the parser fails to properly manage memory allocation and deallocation sequences. This improper memory management creates a dangling pointer condition where pointers reference memory locations that have been freed but not properly nullified. Attackers can manipulate this condition by crafting malicious HTML content that, when processed during iTunes Store browsing, triggers the memory corruption. The vulnerability's vector is particularly insidious because it operates during normal user activities, making it difficult to detect and prevent through standard security measures. The flaw demonstrates a classic memory safety issue that aligns with CWE-466, which describes the use of a dangling pointer in software implementations. This particular weakness allows attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the iTunes process, typically running with elevated permissions on Windows systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0149 extends beyond immediate application instability to encompass broader security implications for Windows users of Apple iTunes. When exploited, this vulnerability can result in complete system compromise through code execution, allowing attackers to install malware, steal user credentials, or gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. The denial of service component of this vulnerability can be equally damaging, as it can cause iTunes to crash repeatedly, disrupting user access to the iTunes Store and potentially affecting other applications that depend on iTunes for functionality. The vulnerability's exploitation during iTunes Store browsing operations means that users are at risk whenever they access the store, making this a persistent threat to user security. Additionally, the vulnerability's relationship to other CVEs referenced in APPLE-SA-2011-03-02-1 indicates that this represents part of a broader class of WebKit-based memory corruption issues that affect Apple's Windows applications. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which involves executing malicious code through compromised applications, and T1068, which describes local privilege escalation through application vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0149 primarily focus on immediate software updates and user behavior modifications. Apple addressed this vulnerability through the release of iTunes 10.2, which includes enhanced HTML parsing and memory management controls that prevent the dangling pointer conditions. Users should immediately upgrade to iTunes 10.2 or later versions to eliminate exposure to this vulnerability. Network administrators should consider implementing additional security controls such as web filtering solutions that can block malicious HTML content before it reaches iTunes applications. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security updates and proper application sandboxing, as the issue could have been prevented through better memory management practices during the development phase. Organizations should also consider monitoring for suspicious iTunes Store browsing activities and implementing endpoint protection solutions that can detect and block exploitation attempts. Security professionals should be aware that this vulnerability represents a pattern of memory corruption issues in WebKit-based applications, suggesting that similar vulnerabilities may exist in other components that rely on the same parsing engine, making comprehensive security assessments of all WebKit-dependent applications essential for maintaining robust security postures.