CVE-2011-0233 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-2011-0233 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within WebKit's JavaScript engine that affected Apple Safari versions prior to 5.0.6. This vulnerability operates through a sophisticated attack vector that leverages crafted web content to exploit memory management issues within the browser's rendering engine. The flaw specifically targets the way WebKit handles certain JavaScript objects and memory allocation patterns, creating conditions where malicious code can be executed remotely through compromised websites. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of heap-based buffer overflows and memory corruption issues that have been extensively documented in the cybersecurity community.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves manipulating JavaScript objects in a manner that triggers improper memory handling within WebKit's JavaScriptCore engine. Attackers can construct malicious web pages containing specially crafted JavaScript code that, when executed by the vulnerable Safari browser, causes memory corruption through improper object handling and memory allocation. The flaw exploits weaknesses in how the browser manages memory during JavaScript execution, particularly when dealing with complex object interactions and memory deallocation sequences. This vulnerability demonstrates the inherent complexity of modern browser security and the challenges of protecting against sophisticated memory corruption attacks that can lead to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0233 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to represent a full remote code execution capability that could allow attackers to gain complete control over affected systems. When successfully exploited, this vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the browser process, potentially leading to system compromise, data theft, or further lateral movement within networks. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities. These weaknesses in memory management create a pathway for attackers to bypass security controls and execute malicious payloads directly within the browser environment.
The attack surface for this vulnerability encompasses all users of Safari versions before 5.0.6 who visit malicious websites, making it particularly dangerous due to its ease of exploitation through standard web browsing activities. The vulnerability's impact is further amplified by the widespread use of Safari as a default browser on Apple devices, potentially affecting millions of users. Security researchers have documented similar patterns in other WebKit vulnerabilities, with this particular flaw demonstrating the ongoing challenges in securing complex JavaScript engines. The vulnerability's exploitation requires no special privileges from the attacker, as it operates entirely through web-based attack vectors that can be delivered via email, social media, or compromised websites. Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve immediate software updates to Safari 5.0.6 or later versions, along with network-level protections and user education about avoiding untrusted websites. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security updates and the need for browser vendors to implement robust memory safety mechanisms to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.
The broader implications of CVE-2011-0233 extend to the cybersecurity landscape's understanding of browser-based attacks and the persistent challenges in securing complex software systems. This vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor memory management flaws can create significant security risks, particularly in environments where browsers serve as gateways to sensitive data and system resources. The attack patterns associated with this vulnerability have been documented in various threat intelligence reports and have influenced the development of browser security mitigations, including address space layout randomization and other memory protection techniques. The vulnerability's existence also underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software and the critical role that automated patch management plays in protecting against known exploits. From an operational security perspective, this vulnerability exemplifies the need for comprehensive security testing and the implementation of multiple layers of defense to protect against sophisticated attacks that can leverage memory corruption vulnerabilities in widely used software components.