CVE-2011-0222 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 • 11/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0222 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within WebKit engine's implementation in Apple Safari browser versions prior to 5.0.6. This vulnerability exists in the core rendering engine that processes web content and handles various web standards including html css and javascript execution. The flaw enables remote attackers to craft malicious web pages that can trigger unauthorized code execution or system crashes when processed by the affected browser versions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates through standard web browsing channels without requiring any special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. Security researchers have classified this issue as a memory corruption vulnerability that falls under the CWE-125 out-of-bounds read and CWE-787 out-of-bounds write categories, indicating improper memory handling during web page rendering operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when WebKit processes malformed or specially crafted web content that causes memory corruption in the browser's memory management system. Attackers can construct web pages containing malicious javascript or html elements that when rendered by the vulnerable Safari browser trigger buffer overflows or memory corruption conditions. These conditions allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the browser process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1203 for exploitation for execution, as it enables attackers to gain code execution capabilities through web-based attack vectors. The memory corruption typically manifests as application crashes or system instability, but can also be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks including privilege escalation or persistent access to target systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0222 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to represent a significant threat to enterprise and individual users. Organizations running affected Safari versions face potential data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target users without physical access to systems, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may browse untrusted websites. Users visiting compromised websites or clicking on malicious links could have their systems compromised without any visible warning signs. The vulnerability affects the entire WebKit-based browser ecosystem, including Safari on both desktop and mobile platforms, creating widespread exposure across Apple's user base. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability requires immediate patching as it was not part of the typical WebKit vulnerability landscape, suggesting it was a unique memory handling flaw that had not been previously identified.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0222 primarily focus on immediate software updates and browser version management. Users and organizations must upgrade to Safari 5.0.6 or later versions that contain the necessary patches to address the memory corruption vulnerability. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive updates promptly. Additional protective measures include implementing web content filtering solutions, disabling javascript in browsers when not required, and employing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify attempts to exploit this vulnerability. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security updates and proper patch management procedures, as it demonstrates how seemingly minor memory handling issues can result in significant security risks. Organizations should also consider implementing browser sandboxing technologies and network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts, particularly in high-value environments where the risk of compromise is elevated.