CVE-2011-0254 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 • 01/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0254 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within WebKit engine components that power Apple Safari web browser prior to version 5.0.6. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of heap-based buffer overflows and memory corruption issues that have historically plagued web browser implementations. The flaw enables remote attackers to craft malicious web pages that can trigger arbitrary code execution or cause application crashes through improper memory handling during web page rendering processes. The vulnerability is distinct from other WebKit-related issues documented in APPLE-SA-2011-07-20-1, indicating a unique code path or implementation weakness within the browser's rendering engine.
Technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a malicious web page is loaded in Safari, triggering memory corruption through improper handling of web content structures. The flaw typically manifests during the parsing or rendering of specific HTML elements or JavaScript constructs that cause the WebKit engine to allocate or access memory in unintended ways. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running Safari, potentially leading to full system compromise. The memory corruption aspect suggests that the vulnerability may involve stack or heap overflows, use-after-free conditions, or similar memory management errors that allow attackers to manipulate program execution flow. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered automatically when users visit compromised websites without any user interaction beyond normal browsing.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0254 extends beyond simple denial of service to encompass full system compromise capabilities. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute malicious code remotely, potentially leading to data theft, system control, or further network infiltration. The vulnerability affects users of older Safari versions who may not have received security updates, creating a significant attack surface for threat actors targeting Apple users. Organizations with Safari-based workflows or users who browse the internet with outdated browsers face heightened risk of exploitation. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can leverage it through standard web-based attack vectors without requiring physical access to target systems. This makes it particularly attractive to cybercriminals seeking to conduct large-scale attacks against Apple user bases.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0254 primarily involve immediate patching and updating of affected Safari versions to 5.0.6 or later releases. Apple's security advisory recommended that users update their systems promptly to address the vulnerability. Additional protective measures include implementing web content filtering solutions that can block or sandbox suspicious web content, maintaining updated antivirus and endpoint protection solutions, and educating users about the risks of visiting untrusted websites. Network administrators should consider implementing browser security policies that enforce automatic updates and restrict access to potentially malicious sites. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of keeping web browser software current, as it represents a known exploit that was addressed through official security patches. Organizations should also consider implementing security monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures for handling browser-based security incidents. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-122, Heap-based Buffer Overflow, and maps to attack techniques in the ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution.