CVE-2011-2815 in iTunes
Summary
by MITRE
WebKit, as used in Apple iTunes before 10.5, allows man-in-the-middle attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption and application crash) via vectors related to iTunes Store browsing, a different vulnerability than other CVEs listed in APPLE-SA-2011-10-11-1.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2815 represents a critical security flaw in Apple iTunes version 10.4 and earlier, specifically within the WebKit rendering engine component. This vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and memory management during iTunes Store browsing operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the application through man-in-the-middle attack scenarios. The flaw manifests when iTunes processes web content from the iTunes Store, particularly during HTTP/HTTPS communication sessions where attackers can intercept and manipulate data flows. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-119 as a weakness related to memory corruption, specifically involving improper handling of buffer operations and memory allocation during web content rendering. This weakness directly enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems or cause application crashes through carefully crafted malicious content that triggers memory corruption.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the WebKit engine's handling of network requests and web content parsing within the iTunes environment. When users browse the iTunes Store, the application establishes network connections that are susceptible to interception by attackers positioned between the user and Apple's servers. The flaw occurs during the processing of HTML, JavaScript, or other web resources returned by iTunes Store servers, where improper bounds checking and memory management allows attackers to inject malicious code that executes within the iTunes application context. This type of attack falls under the ATT&CK framework's T1059.007 technique for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript" and T1211 for "Exploitation for Defense Evasion," as it leverages scripting capabilities within the web rendering environment to achieve code execution. The vulnerability specifically impacts the memory management subsystem of the WebKit component, where heap-based buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions can be triggered through malformed web content that iTunes processes during Store browsing operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-2815 extends beyond simple application crashes to potentially enable full system compromise when exploited. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the iTunes application, which typically runs with user-level permissions but may have access to sensitive user data, system resources, and network capabilities. The memory corruption aspects of this vulnerability can lead to unpredictable application behavior, including crashes that disrupt user experience, but more critically, can provide attackers with opportunities to escalate privileges or install malicious software. The vulnerability affects users who regularly browse the iTunes Store, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users might be exposed to compromised network conditions or where attackers can establish man-in-the-middle positions through public Wi-Fi networks or compromised network infrastructure. This vulnerability also impacts enterprise environments where iTunes is used for software distribution or management, potentially allowing attackers to compromise multiple systems through a single successful exploit.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-2815 focus primarily on updating to Apple iTunes version 10.5 or later, which includes patches addressing the WebKit memory corruption issues. Organizations should implement network security measures such as SSL/TLS inspection and monitoring for suspicious traffic patterns that might indicate man-in-the-middle attacks. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current software versions and implementing proper network security controls to prevent interception of sensitive communications. Security administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit exposure and monitoring for unusual iTunes application behavior or unauthorized access attempts. Additionally, users should avoid using iTunes Store browsing over untrusted networks and ensure their systems are updated promptly when security patches become available. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices in web rendering engines and the need for comprehensive input validation and memory management to prevent exploitation through network-based attacks. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the risks associated with complex web-based application components and the necessity of robust security measures in all aspects of software development and deployment.