CVE-2012-0630 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-2012-0630 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within WebKit engine components that power Apple's mobile operating system iOS and desktop iTunes application. This vulnerability specifically affects versions of iOS prior to 5.1 and iTunes prior to 10.6, creating a significant security risk that could be exploited by remote attackers through maliciously crafted web content. The flaw manifests in the way WebKit processes certain web page elements, leading to unpredictable behavior that can result in arbitrary code execution or system crashes. The vulnerability operates through a sophisticated attack vector that leverages memory corruption techniques, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered simply by visiting a compromised website without any user interaction beyond normal browsing.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory handling within WebKit's rendering engine, where specific combinations of web page elements can cause buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions. When a malicious website is loaded, the WebKit engine processes the page content in a manner that leads to memory corruption, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite critical memory locations or execute malicious code within the context of the affected applications. This memory corruption vulnerability 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 flaw operates at a fundamental level within the browser engine's memory management system, making it particularly challenging to detect and prevent through traditional security measures.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-0630 extends far beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. This capability enables a wide range of malicious activities including but not limited to data theft, system compromise, and persistent backdoor installation. The vulnerability affects both iOS mobile devices and desktop iTunes applications, creating a broad attack surface that could be exploited against users across multiple platforms. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to perform remote code execution without requiring physical access to the target device, making it particularly dangerous for mobile users who frequently browse the internet. The vulnerability's impact aligns with ATT&CK framework technique T1059.007, which covers the execution of malicious code through web-based attack vectors, and T1203, which addresses the exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-0630 primarily focus on immediate system updates and patches provided by Apple to address the underlying memory corruption issues. Users should immediately upgrade to iOS 5.1 or later versions and iTunes 10.6 or later to eliminate the vulnerability. Organizations should implement network-level protections including web filtering solutions that can block access to known malicious websites and employ web application firewalls to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, users should exercise caution when visiting unfamiliar websites and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading content from untrusted sources. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual memory usage patterns or application crashes that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing layered security approaches to protect against sophisticated memory corruption attacks that can bypass traditional security controls.