CVE-2011-0218 in Safari
Summary
by MITRE
WebKit, as used in Apple Safari before 5.0.6, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption and application crash) via a crafted web site, a different vulnerability than other WebKit CVEs listed in APPLE-SA-2011-07-20-1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/15/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0218 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within WebKit's JavaScript engine that affected Apple Safari versions prior to 5.0.6. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and memory management practices within the web rendering engine that powers Safari's web browsing capabilities. The flaw specifically manifests when processing maliciously crafted web content that triggers improper memory handling during JavaScript execution, creating opportunities for remote code execution or system instability.
This vulnerability operates through a memory corruption vector that leverages WebKit's JavaScript engine implementation, particularly affecting how the engine handles certain JavaScript objects and memory allocations. The flaw enables attackers to craft web pages that, when loaded in Safari, cause memory corruption through improper bounds checking or use-after-free conditions. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition, which represents a fundamental weakness in memory safety mechanisms within the JavaScript engine. Attackers can exploit this by constructing malicious web content that manipulates memory pointers or object references beyond their allocated boundaries, leading to unpredictable behavior including arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to encompass full system compromise capabilities. When successfully exploited, the memory corruption can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code within the context of the Safari process, potentially allowing attackers to bypass security restrictions and gain unauthorized access to system resources. This represents a significant threat to user security as it enables attackers to install malware, steal sensitive data, or perform other malicious activities without user interaction beyond visiting a compromised website. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework places it within the T1059.007 technique category for JavaScript execution, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns and drive-by download scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0218 require immediate system updates to Safari 5.0.6 or later versions where Apple has implemented memory safety improvements and bounds checking mechanisms. Organizations should also implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems that can detect and block malicious web content. Browser hardening techniques including sandboxing, privilege separation, and memory protection mechanisms should be enabled to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, user education regarding safe browsing practices and the importance of keeping software updated remains critical in defending against this class of vulnerabilities that exploit outdated browser implementations. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual memory access patterns and potential exploitation attempts through network traffic analysis and endpoint detection systems.