CVE-2012-3608 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
WebKit, as used in Apple Safari before 6.0, 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-2012-07-25-1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-3608 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within WebKit engine's implementation in Apple Safari versions prior to 6.0. This issue stems from improper handling of memory allocation and deallocation processes when processing malformed web content, creating an exploitable condition that adversaries could leverage for remote code execution or system disruption. The vulnerability specifically affects the rendering engine's ability to manage dynamic memory structures during web page processing, making it particularly dangerous in web browsing contexts where users encounter untrusted content.
The technical flaw manifests through a memory corruption vulnerability that occurs when WebKit processes specially crafted web pages containing malformed JavaScript or HTML elements. This memory corruption typically results from buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions within the engine's memory management subsystem, where the application fails to properly validate input data before allocating or accessing memory regions. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of multiple security domains including memory safety, web rendering, and application stability, with the flaw being classified under CWE-119 which addresses "Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer" and CWE-476 which covers "NULL Pointer Dereference" conditions that often accompany such memory corruption issues.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes to encompass full remote code execution capabilities, allowing attackers to compromise user systems without requiring local access or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or drive-by download scenarios where users are tricked into visiting compromised websites. The memory corruption can lead to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the Safari process, potentially enabling attackers to install malware, steal user credentials, or escalate privileges to system-level access. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw places it within the ATT&CK framework's T1059.007 technique for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript" and T1068 for "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" when combined with privilege escalation vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-3608 primarily focus on immediate system updates and browser patches, with Apple releasing Safari 6.0 to address the memory corruption issues. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive the necessary updates promptly. Additional protective measures include browser hardening configurations such as disabling JavaScript in restricted environments, implementing content filtering solutions, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious web content. Network-level protections should include sandboxing mechanisms and strict browser security policies that limit the attack surface available to potential exploit code. The vulnerability's nature as a memory corruption issue also necessitates regular system monitoring for unusual memory usage patterns and application crashes that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security professionals should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify anomalous behavior patterns associated with memory corruption exploits and provide early warning capabilities for such attacks.