CVE-2011-0156 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-2011-0156 represents a critical security flaw within Apple iTunes software on Windows platforms prior to version 10.2. This issue resides within the WebKit rendering engine component that Apple integrated into iTunes for Windows to enable web-based functionality including iTunes Store browsing. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and memory management practices within the WebKit implementation, creating exploitable conditions that could be leveraged by remote attackers positioned in man-in-the-middle scenarios.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when users navigate to iTunes Store content or interact with web-based elements within the iTunes application. Attackers can manipulate network traffic to inject malicious content that triggers memory corruption within the WebKit engine. This memory corruption leads to unpredictable application behavior ranging from arbitrary code execution to complete application crashes. The flaw specifically manifests during web content rendering and network communication processing within iTunes' Windows implementation, making it particularly dangerous for users who frequently access the iTunes Store or other web-based features.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security risks for iTunes users on Windows systems. The man-in-the-middle attack vector implies that attackers need only intercept network traffic between the user's computer and Apple's servers to exploit the vulnerability. This makes the attack surface relatively broad and accessible, as network interception can occur through various means including public Wi-Fi networks, compromised routers, or network monitoring tools. The potential for arbitrary code execution means attackers could gain complete control over affected systems, while denial of service conditions could disrupt legitimate user access to iTunes Store services.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-119, which addresses weaknesses in memory management and buffer overflows, and represents a classic example of how web rendering engines can become attack vectors when proper security boundaries are not maintained. From the ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving command and control communications, remote service execution, and privilege escalation through application exploitation. The attack pattern follows T1190 for exploit public-facing application and T1059 for command and control through application interfaces. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to iTunes 10.2 or later, deploying network monitoring tools to detect suspicious traffic patterns, and educating users about avoiding untrusted networks when accessing iTunes Store features. Additionally, network segmentation and secure communication protocols should be enforced to reduce the attack surface and prevent successful exploitation attempts.