CVE-2012-0632 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 • 01/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0632 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within WebKit, the rendering engine that powers Apple's Safari browser and various other applications. This vulnerability specifically affected Apple iOS versions prior to 5.1 and iTunes versions before 10.6, creating a significant attack surface that malicious actors could exploit to gain unauthorized access to affected systems. The flaw resides in how WebKit processes certain web content, allowing remote attackers to craft malicious websites that could trigger memory corruption errors, ultimately leading to arbitrary code execution or application crashes.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory allocation and deallocation within WebKit's rendering engine. When processing specially crafted web content, the engine fails to properly validate input data structures, leading to buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions that can be leveraged by attackers. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 weakness category, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions, and is closely related to CWE-787, which deals with out-of-bounds writes. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe because it allows for arbitrary code execution, meaning attackers could potentially install malware, steal user data, or take complete control of affected devices.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a substantial risk to users of affected Apple products since it enables remote code execution without requiring any user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be delivered through standard web browsing activities, making it difficult for users to protect themselves. The vulnerability affects not just individual users but also enterprise environments where iOS devices are commonly used for business operations. The potential for denial of service attacks adds another layer of risk, as attackers could disrupt critical business operations by causing application crashes on mobile devices used in enterprise settings. This vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to initial access through web-based attacks and privilege escalation through code execution.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve applying the security patches released by Apple as part of their regular update cycle. Users should immediately update their iOS devices to version 5.1 or later and ensure iTunes is updated to version 10.6 or higher. Network administrators should implement web filtering solutions to block access to known malicious domains and maintain strict update policies for all Apple devices within their organization. Additionally, users should exercise caution when visiting unfamiliar websites and should avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading content from untrusted sources. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current security patches and demonstrates how browser-based vulnerabilities can create widespread impact across multiple platforms. Organizations should also consider implementing security monitoring solutions that can detect unusual network traffic patterns or application behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts.