CVE-2011-0154 in iTunes
Summary
by MITRE
WebKit, as used in Apple iTunes before 10.2 on Windows and Apple iOS, does not properly implement the .sort function for JavaScript arrays, 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 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-2011-0154 represents a critical implementation flaw in WebKit's JavaScript array sorting functionality within Apple's iTunes software ecosystem. This issue affects Apple iTunes versions prior to 10.2 on Windows platforms and Apple iOS systems, creating a significant security gap that adversaries could exploit through man-in-the-middle attack vectors. The flaw specifically manifests in the improper handling of the .sort function when processing JavaScript arrays, which serves as a fundamental building block for web application functionality within the iTunes Store browsing environment.
The technical implementation error stems from WebKit's inadequate memory management during array sorting operations, particularly when JavaScript code interacts with iTunes Store content through web-based interfaces. When the .sort function processes certain array structures, it fails to properly validate input parameters and memory boundaries, leading to potential buffer overflows or memory corruption scenarios. This memory corruption directly translates to application instability and presents attackers with opportunities to execute arbitrary code within the iTunes process context, effectively bypassing standard security boundaries. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of web scripting and native application execution, leveraging the JavaScript engine's interaction with the underlying system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes to encompass full code execution capabilities that could enable sophisticated attack scenarios. Attackers positioned as man-in-the-middle adversaries can manipulate network traffic between iTunes and Apple's servers, injecting malicious JavaScript code that exploits the sorting function flaw. This exploitation path allows for remote code execution on target systems, potentially enabling attackers to install malicious software, access sensitive user data, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's presence in both Windows and iOS implementations creates a broad attack surface, as the same underlying flaw exists across different operating environments, making it particularly dangerous for users who may browse iTunes Store content on multiple platforms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0154 require immediate patch deployment to iTunes version 10.2 or later, which includes corrected WebKit implementations that properly handle JavaScript array sorting operations. System administrators should implement network monitoring to detect anomalous traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while users should avoid browsing iTunes Store content through untrusted networks. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript-based execution. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and traffic filtering to reduce the attack surface, while maintaining updated threat intelligence to monitor for related exploitation attempts targeting similar WebKit vulnerabilities in the broader Apple ecosystem.