CVE-2011-2871 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-2011-2871 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within WebKit, the web browser engine that powers Apple's iOS operating system and iTunes software. This vulnerability affects versions of Apple iOS prior to 5.1 and iTunes versions prior to 10.6, creating a significant security risk for users who have not updated their systems. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems simply by visiting a maliciously crafted website, making it particularly dangerous in phishing attacks and drive-by download scenarios. The vulnerability's classification as a memory corruption issue indicates that it involves improper handling of memory allocation and deallocation that can lead to unpredictable behavior and potential code execution.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within WebKit's rendering engine, which processes web content for display in Apple's mobile and desktop applications. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting web pages that trigger specific memory corruption patterns, potentially leading to buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions. These memory corruption vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can be leveraged to execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected application, typically resulting in complete system compromise. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of multiple attack vectors, including web-based exploitation and privilege escalation, making it a significant threat to user security and system integrity.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-2871 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass full system compromise capabilities. When successfully exploited, this vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely, potentially gaining complete control over affected devices. The memory corruption aspect means that applications may crash unpredictably, leading to denial of service conditions, but more critically, the underlying memory issues can be manipulated to inject and execute malicious payloads. This vulnerability affects not just mobile devices but also desktop computers running iTunes, creating a broad attack surface that could impact millions of users. The fact that it differs from other WebKit vulnerabilities referenced in APPLE-SA-2012-03-07-1 and APPLE-SA-2012-03-07-2 indicates that it represents a distinct memory management flaw requiring specific mitigation approaches.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions. The attack pattern follows typical exploit development methodologies found in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically mapping to techniques involving remote code execution through browser exploitation. Organizations and individuals must prioritize patch management to address this vulnerability, as the window of exposure increases with each passing day. The vulnerability's remote exploitability makes it particularly attractive to threat actors, who can leverage it in automated attack campaigns without requiring physical access to target systems. Security professionals should implement network-based protections, including web content filtering and intrusion detection systems, to mitigate the risk while awaiting official patches from Apple. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of timely software updates and the potential consequences of running outdated software versions in enterprise and consumer environments.