CVE-2011-0152 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-2011-0152 represents a critical security flaw in 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 attacks. 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 special privileges or complex attack vectors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves memory corruption issues that arise during the processing of web content retrieved from iTunes Store servers. When iTunes processes web pages or media content through its embedded WebKit engine, certain input handling mechanisms fail to properly validate or sanitize data received from remote servers. This leads to potential buffer overflows, memory corruption, or other heap-based vulnerabilities that can be leveraged by attackers positioned between the user and the iTunes Store servers. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-125, which deals with out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions, both of which are common in memory corruption vulnerabilities. The attack vector specifically aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which involves the use of scripting languages to execute malicious code.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0152 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable full system compromise through arbitrary code execution. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to user systems, potentially leading to data theft, system control, or further exploitation of the compromised environment. The memory corruption aspects of the vulnerability make it particularly dangerous as they can cause unpredictable application behavior, including crashes, hangs, or more severe system instability. This vulnerability affects users who regularly access iTunes Store content, making it a significant concern for the Windows user base that relied on iTunes for media management and distribution. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that attackers do not need physical access to target systems, making it particularly attractive for cybercriminals and nation-state actors seeking to compromise user devices at scale.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0152 primarily focus on immediate software updates and network security measures. Apple addressed this vulnerability through the release of iTunes version 10.2, which included patches to the WebKit engine's memory management and input validation routines. Organizations and individuals should prioritize updating to the patched version as soon as possible, as the vulnerability remains exploitable in older versions. Network administrators should implement additional security measures such as SSL certificate validation, network monitoring for suspicious traffic patterns, and deployment of intrusion detection systems to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and regular security assessments of third-party components like WebKit, which are often integrated into applications without thorough security vetting. Given that this vulnerability affects a widely used media application, users should also consider implementing additional security layers such as firewalls, antivirus software, and regular system updates to minimize exposure to similar threats.