CVE-2012-0629 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.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0629 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within WebKit engine components that were integral to Apple iOS versions prior to 5.1 and iTunes versions before 10.6. This vulnerability resides in the browser engine that powers web content rendering across Apple's ecosystem, making it a prime target for remote exploitation. The flaw manifests when malicious websites craft specific web content that triggers undefined behavior within WebKit's memory management systems, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system crashes that can be leveraged by attackers to compromise user devices.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory handling within WebKit's rendering engine, specifically in how it processes certain web elements or JavaScript constructs. Attackers can exploit this weakness by hosting malicious web content that, when loaded in a vulnerable browser environment, causes memory corruption through buffer overflows, use-after-free conditions, or other memory management errors. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of web rendering and memory safety, where crafted inputs bypass normal validation mechanisms and corrupt memory structures that control application execution flow. This type of flaw typically maps to CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, or CWE-787, representing out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities, both of which are common in browser engine exploits.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-0629 extends beyond simple application crashes to encompass full system compromise potential. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application, potentially enabling complete device takeover. Users accessing compromised websites unknowingly become victims of drive-by attacks that can lead to data theft, unauthorized access to personal information, or installation of malicious payloads. The vulnerability's presence in both iOS and iTunes environments creates a broad attack surface since users may encounter malicious content through various vectors including email attachments, social media links, or compromised websites. This cross-platform exposure makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it affects both mobile and desktop users within Apple's ecosystem, creating a unified threat landscape for attackers.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-0629 primarily focus on immediate system updates and user education. Apple addressed this vulnerability through the release of iOS 5.1 and iTunes 10.6, which included patches to WebKit's memory handling routines and improved input validation mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management policies ensuring all affected Apple devices receive the latest security updates promptly. Network administrators can deploy web filtering solutions to block access to known malicious domains, while security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability. The remediation process aligns with ATT&CK framework tactics covering T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter), as attackers leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access or execute malicious code within compromised environments. Users should be educated about avoiding suspicious websites and maintaining updated software versions to prevent exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities.