CVE-2012-1134 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
FreeType before 2.4.9, as used in Mozilla Firefox Mobile before 10.0.4 and other products, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (invalid heap write operation and memory corruption) or possibly execute arbitrary code via crafted private-dictionary data in a Type 1 font.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1134 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw in the FreeType font rendering library affecting versions prior to 2.4.9. This vulnerability specifically targets the processing of Type 1 font files, which are widely used in various applications including web browsers and operating systems. The flaw occurs when FreeType encounters crafted private dictionary data within a Type 1 font file, creating conditions that allow attackers to manipulate heap memory through invalid write operations. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking during font parsing enables memory corruption that can lead to arbitrary code execution or system instability.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves manipulating the private dictionary section of Type 1 font files to trigger memory corruption during font rendering operations. When Mozilla Firefox Mobile versions prior to 10.0.4 process these maliciously crafted fonts, the FreeType library fails to properly validate the size and structure of private dictionary data, resulting in heap memory corruption. This memory corruption can manifest as invalid heap write operations that overwrite adjacent memory regions, potentially leading to application crashes or more severe consequences including arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of font processing and memory management, making it particularly dangerous in web browsing contexts where users may encounter malicious fonts without their knowledge.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-1134 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass potential remote code execution capabilities that could compromise user systems. Attackers could craft malicious Type 1 font files designed to exploit this vulnerability when viewed in affected browsers, creating a vector for drive-by attacks. The vulnerability's presence in widely deployed software components means that successful exploitation could affect numerous users across different platforms and operating systems. Additionally, the vulnerability's nature suggests potential exploitation through social engineering campaigns where users might inadvertently download or view compromised font files through web content or email attachments. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for mobile environments where users may have less control over their browsing environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-1134 primarily focus on updating affected software components to versions that include proper bounds checking and memory validation. System administrators should prioritize patching Mozilla Firefox Mobile to version 10.0.4 or later, while also ensuring that all FreeType library installations are updated to version 2.4.9 or higher. The implementation of additional security controls such as sandboxing mechanisms and font validation policies can provide layered protection against exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network-level controls to filter potentially malicious font files and monitoring systems to detect unusual font processing patterns. According to ATT&CK framework methodology, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving execution through libraries and privilege escalation through memory corruption, making comprehensive patch management and system hardening essential defensive measures. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date font rendering libraries and implementing robust input validation procedures to prevent similar issues in future software deployments.