CVE-2011-2831 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-2011-2831 represents a critical security flaw in Apple iTunes versions prior to 10.5, specifically within the WebKit rendering engine component that handles iTunes Store browsing functionality. This vulnerability exposes users to significant risks including arbitrary code execution and denial of service conditions that can lead to application crashes and system instability. The flaw manifests during the processing of web content within the iTunes Store browsing context, making it particularly dangerous for users who frequently access digital media purchases and store functionalities through the iTunes application.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from memory corruption issues within the WebKit engine's handling of web content during iTunes Store interactions. Attackers can exploit this weakness through man-in-the-middle attack scenarios where they intercept and manipulate network traffic between the iTunes client and Apple's servers. The vulnerability operates by manipulating the way WebKit processes certain web elements or responses from the iTunes Store, leading to improper memory handling that results in either arbitrary code execution or system crashes. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of memory corruption flaws that are particularly dangerous due to their potential for privilege escalation and system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-2831 extends beyond simple application instability to potentially enable sophisticated attacks against unsuspecting users. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability can allow attackers to execute malicious code with the privileges of the iTunes process, potentially leading to full system compromise. The denial of service aspect creates additional risks by making the iTunes application unreliable and potentially unusable for legitimate users, which can disrupt normal business operations or personal media management activities. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where iTunes is used for software distribution or media management, as well as consumer users who rely on iTunes Store functionality for purchasing and accessing digital content.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions in memory management, and may also relate to CWE-119, concerning weaknesses in memory handling. The attack pattern described in the vulnerability corresponds to techniques found in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059 category for command and scripting interpreters, as well as T1203 for legitimate user execution. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected iTunes versions and implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additional mitigations include network segmentation to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks, deployment of intrusion detection systems, and user education regarding the risks of untrusted network connections when accessing iTunes Store functionality. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of keeping software components updated, particularly those handling web content and network communications in applications with broad user bases.