CVE-2012-3645 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-2012-3645 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within WebKit's JavaScript engine implementation that affected Apple Safari versions prior to 6.0. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and memory management practices within the browser's rendering engine, creating a pathway for remote code execution through maliciously crafted web content. The flaw specifically manifests when the browser processes certain JavaScript constructs that trigger improper memory handling during object allocation and deallocation cycles.
WebKit's JavaScriptCore engine, which powers Safari's web page rendering capabilities, contains a memory corruption vulnerability that occurs during the execution of specific JavaScript code patterns. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate memory structures through crafted web pages that exploit buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions within the JavaScript engine's memory management subsystem. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 vulnerability category, which represents out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to include potential denial of service scenarios that can crash the Safari browser application entirely. Attackers can construct malicious web pages that trigger the memory corruption conditions, causing the browser to crash or behave unpredictably, thereby disrupting user sessions and potentially allowing for more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability's exploitation requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or drive-by download scenarios. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes the use of malicious websites to deliver exploits and compromise systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the inherent weaknesses in WebKit's memory management during JavaScript object lifecycle operations, particularly when handling complex object references and garbage collection processes. Attackers can craft JavaScript code that forces the browser to allocate memory in ways that create exploitable conditions, potentially allowing for privilege escalation or persistent compromise of the affected system. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that users can be compromised simply by visiting a malicious website, without any additional interaction or download required.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-3645 primarily involve updating to Safari 6.0 or later versions where Apple has implemented memory safety improvements and enhanced input validation within WebKit. System administrators should also consider implementing web content filtering solutions and browser security extensions that can help detect and block malicious web content. Additionally, users should maintain awareness of the risks associated with visiting untrusted websites and should exercise caution when encountering unexpected pop-ups or content that appears malicious. The vulnerability's remediation through software updates aligns with industry best practices for addressing memory corruption flaws and demonstrates the importance of timely patch management in maintaining browser security.