CVE-2012-3630 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 • 01/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-3630 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within WebKit engine components that power Apple Safari browser versions prior to 6.0. This issue demonstrates the inherent risks associated with complex web rendering engines that process untrusted content from web pages, where a single memory corruption vulnerability can provide attackers with extensive control over system resources. The vulnerability specifically affects the WebKit rendering engine's handling of crafted web content, creating a pathway for remote code execution that could potentially compromise user systems.
The technical nature of this flaw involves improper memory management during web page rendering processes, where WebKit fails to properly validate or sanitize certain data structures when processing malicious web content. This memory corruption occurs in the browser's JavaScript engine or rendering components, allowing attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the running browser process. The vulnerability operates through a sophisticated attack vector that leverages memory corruption techniques typically associated with advanced persistent threats, making it particularly dangerous for end users who may inadvertently visit compromised websites.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for users of affected Safari versions, as it enables remote attackers to gain complete control over vulnerable systems without requiring local access or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. The attack scenario typically involves a user navigating to a specially crafted webpage that triggers the memory corruption, leading to either arbitrary code execution or application crash. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-119 weakness category, which encompasses issues related to improper handling of memory operations, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 for executing malicious code through browser-based attacks.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or compromised website attacks. Security researchers have noted that such memory corruption vulnerabilities often serve as initial access points for more sophisticated attacks, where the initial code execution can be leveraged to download additional malware or establish persistent access to compromised systems. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that attackers can operate entirely from remote locations without requiring physical access to target systems.
Organizations and individuals should immediately update to Safari 6.0 or later versions to mitigate this vulnerability, as Apple released security updates specifically addressing this issue in their July 2012 security advisory. The recommended mitigation strategy includes not only software updates but also implementing network-level protections such as web content filtering and browser security enhancements. Additionally, users should maintain awareness of the risks associated with visiting untrusted websites and consider implementing browser hardening techniques that limit the attack surface for such vulnerabilities. Security professionals should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and ensure that all systems are properly patched to prevent exploitation attempts that may have occurred during the vulnerability's active period.