CVE-2011-2870 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
WebKit, as used in Apple iOS before 5.1 and iTunes before 10.6, 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-2012-03-07-1 and APPLE-SA-2012-03-07-2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/21/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2870 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within WebKit engine components that power Apple's mobile operating system iOS and desktop media application iTunes. This vulnerability specifically affects WebKit implementations in iOS versions prior to 5.1 and iTunes versions before 10.6, creating a significant security risk that could be exploited by remote threat actors. The flaw manifests through carefully crafted web content that, when rendered by the affected WebKit components, triggers unpredictable memory behavior leading to potential code execution or system instability.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within WebKit's rendering engine, where insufficient input validation and memory bounds checking allow attackers to manipulate memory structures through malicious web content. This type of flaw typically falls under the CWE-125 vulnerability category, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of browser engine security and application sandboxing, where WebKit's JavaScript engine and rendering components fail to properly validate memory access patterns when processing crafted web content.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-2870 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it provides attackers with the potential to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. This capability transforms a simple web browsing activity into a vector for full system compromise, particularly concerning iOS devices where users may inadvertently visit malicious websites or receive compromised web content through email or other communication channels. The vulnerability's remote exploitation nature means that no local access or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website is required for successful exploitation, making it particularly dangerous in mobile environments where users frequently browse untrusted websites.
Security researchers have categorized this vulnerability as part of a broader class of WebKit memory corruption issues, distinguishing it from other CVEs referenced in Apple security advisories APPLE-SA-2012-03-07-1 and APPLE-SA-2012-03-07-2. The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve applying the official security updates released by Apple, which include patches to WebKit's memory management routines and enhanced input validation mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management policies to ensure timely deployment of these security updates across all affected systems. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of web content filtering and user education to prevent exposure to malicious websites that could exploit such memory corruption flaws. Additionally, network security controls such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts targeting this specific WebKit vulnerability.
The broader implications of this vulnerability demonstrate the critical nature of browser engine security in modern computing environments, where the complexity of web rendering engines creates numerous potential attack surfaces. This flaw exemplifies how seemingly minor memory management issues can result in severe security consequences, emphasizing the need for rigorous security testing and code review processes in complex software components that handle untrusted input data. The vulnerability's existence also underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the risks associated with running outdated software versions in enterprise and consumer environments.