CVE-2012-0590 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in WebKit, as used in Apple iOS before 5.1, allows user-assisted remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via vectors involving a drag-and-drop operation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/21/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0590 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the WebKit rendering engine that powers Apple iOS browsers. This vulnerability specifically affects iOS versions prior to 5.1 and demonstrates how seemingly benign drag-and-drop operations can be exploited to execute malicious code. The flaw resides in the improper handling of user input during drag-and-drop interactions, creating a pathway for attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content into web pages. This issue exemplifies the challenges inherent in securing complex web rendering engines where user interactions can inadvertently trigger code execution vulnerabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the WebKit engine's insufficient sanitization of drag-and-drop events, particularly when processing data transferred between different contexts. Attackers can craft malicious content that, when dragged and dropped onto vulnerable web pages, executes within the browser's security context. The vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration classification of CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws where untrusted data is improperly incorporated into web pages without adequate validation or escaping mechanisms. This weakness allows attackers to manipulate the browser's rendering behavior through carefully constructed input that bypasses normal security boundaries.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for iOS users who may encounter malicious content through various attack vectors including compromised websites, phishing attempts, or social engineering campaigns. The user-assisted nature of the attack means that victims must actively engage with malicious content, typically through drag-and-drop operations, which makes the vulnerability particularly insidious as it requires minimal technical sophistication from attackers. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to potentially enabling full browser compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands, steal session cookies, or redirect users to malicious sites. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, as it enables attackers to execute malicious scripts within the browser environment.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2012-0590 centers on upgrading to iOS 5.1 or later versions where Apple implemented proper input validation and sanitization for drag-and-drop operations. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls and content security policies to detect and prevent malicious script injection attempts. Browser security enhancements including stricter content sanitization, improved sandboxing mechanisms, and enhanced input validation routines represent the primary defensive measures. Additionally, user education regarding suspicious drag-and-drop operations and website interactions remains crucial for reducing exploitation success rates. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of comprehensive security testing for web rendering engines and the need for continuous security updates to address emerging threats in mobile browser environments.