CVE-2011-1457 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-2011-1457 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within WebKit engine's implementation in Apple Safari browsers 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 specifically manifests when processing malformed web content, enabling malicious actors to craft specially designed websites that can trigger unpredictable behavior in the affected browser. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of how improper memory management in browser engines can create exploitable conditions for remote code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully constructed web pages that leverage memory corruption techniques to overwrite critical memory locations within the Safari browser process. Attackers can craft web content that, when rendered by the vulnerable WebKit engine, causes memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code on the victim's system. The memory corruption typically occurs during the parsing or rendering of web content, particularly involving complex JavaScript or HTML elements that trigger the underlying memory management flaw. This type of vulnerability represents a significant threat vector because it allows attackers to bypass traditional security boundaries and execute malicious code with the privileges of the browser process, which often has extensive access to user data and system resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-1457 extends beyond simple application crashes to encompass full system compromise capabilities for attackers. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability can lead to complete system takeover, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor installation. The vulnerability's presence in Safari versions prior to 5.0.6 created a widespread attack surface affecting millions of users who were running outdated browser versions. Security researchers have documented that such memory corruption vulnerabilities often serve as initial access vectors in larger attack campaigns, where they may be combined with additional exploits to establish persistent presence on compromised systems. The vulnerability's exploitation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as attackers can leverage the executed code to perform further malicious activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-1457 primarily focus on immediate browser updates and system administration practices. Users should immediately upgrade to Safari 5.0.6 or later versions to eliminate exposure to this vulnerability. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management policies ensuring all browser installations remain current with security updates. Additional protective measures include implementing web content filtering solutions, disabling unnecessary browser plugins, and deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's remediation demonstrates the critical importance of timely security patching and proper vulnerability management practices, as highlighted in industry standards such as NIST SP 800-128 and ISO 27001 requirements for information security management. Organizations should also consider implementing browser sandboxing technologies and privilege separation mechanisms to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.