CVE-2011-0150 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-2011-0150 represents a critical security flaw within Apple iTunes version 10.1 and earlier on Windows platforms, specifically affecting the WebKit rendering engine component. This vulnerability manifests during iTunes Store browsing operations and demonstrates the inherent risks associated with web-based components in desktop applications, particularly when they handle untrusted network content. The flaw exists in the way iTunes processes web content from the iTunes Store, creating a potential attack surface that adversaries can exploit to compromise system integrity. The vulnerability is classified as a memory corruption issue that can lead to arbitrary code execution or denial of service conditions, making it particularly dangerous for users who regularly access the iTunes Store for media purchases or updates.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and memory management within the WebKit engine's handling of web requests and responses from iTunes Store servers. Attackers can craft malicious web content or manipulate network traffic to trigger memory corruption within iTunes' memory space, potentially leading to application crashes or more severe exploitation scenarios. This flaw operates at the intersection of web browser technology and desktop application security, where the boundaries between trusted and untrusted content become blurred. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions in software implementations, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations that can result in memory corruption. The attack vector specifically involves man-in-the-middle conditions where adversaries can intercept and modify network traffic between iTunes and Apple's servers, exploiting the lack of proper validation mechanisms in the WebKit component.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application instability, as it creates potential pathways for attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. When iTunes crashes due to memory corruption, users may experience service interruptions, but more concerning is the possibility of persistent code execution that could lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects Windows users specifically, highlighting the platform-specific security considerations that arise when desktop applications incorporate web technologies. Users who regularly access iTunes Store content for music, videos, or software updates face elevated risk, as the exploitation can occur during routine browsing activities. The vulnerability's relationship to other CVEs referenced in APPLE-SA-2011-03-02-1 indicates that this issue was part of a broader set of WebKit-related security problems affecting Apple's ecosystem, demonstrating how web rendering engine vulnerabilities can cascade across multiple applications and platforms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0150 require immediate patching of affected iTunes versions to 10.2 or later, which includes enhanced validation procedures and improved memory management within the WebKit component. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect potential man-in-the-middle attacks and consider deploying network security controls such as SSL inspection and traffic filtering to prevent malicious content from reaching affected systems. System administrators should also consider disabling iTunes Store browsing functionality in enterprise environments where the risk of man-in-the-middle attacks is elevated. The vulnerability's exploitation requires network-level access and manipulation, making network segmentation and secure communication protocols essential defensive measures. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of accessing untrusted networks and the importance of keeping software updated can significantly reduce exposure to this class of vulnerability. This vulnerability exemplifies the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for application execution through web-based interfaces and T1566 for credential harvesting through man-in-the-middle attacks, demonstrating how seemingly benign web browsing activities can become attack vectors for more sophisticated compromises.