CVE-2012-3651 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
WebKit, as used in Apple iTunes before 10.7, 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-2012-09-12-1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2024
CVE-2012-3651 represents a critical memory corruption vulnerability within WebKit engine that was embedded in Apple iTunes version 10.6 and earlier. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory allocation and deallocation processes when processing maliciously crafted web content, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks. The flaw specifically manifests when WebKit attempts to manage memory resources for web page elements, particularly in scenarios involving complex JavaScript operations or dynamic content rendering. Attackers can exploit this weakness by hosting a malicious website that triggers the vulnerable code path within the WebKit engine, leading to unpredictable memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code on the target system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves heap-based memory corruption techniques that allow attackers to manipulate memory pointers and overwrite critical data structures within the iTunes application process. When a user visits a compromised website, the malicious code triggers a sequence of memory operations that result in buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions within WebKit's rendering engine. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 weakness category, which encompasses out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple application crashes, as it can be weaponized to gain full system control through carefully crafted payloads that exploit the memory corruption to inject and execute malicious code.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risk to users who regularly access the internet through iTunes or related web browsing functionality. The attack vector requires no local privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or compromised websites. The vulnerability's exploitation can result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors. Security analysts categorize this vulnerability under the attack technique T1059 in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, which covers command and scripting interpreters, as attackers can leverage the remote execution capability to deploy additional payloads or establish command and control channels. The vulnerability affects not just individual users but also enterprise environments where iTunes is used for software distribution or media management.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-3651 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment and operational security measures. Apple addressed this vulnerability through the release of iTunes 10.7, which included updated WebKit components with proper memory management safeguards. Organizations should implement mandatory patch management policies to ensure all iTunes installations are updated to version 10.7 or later. Additional protective measures include deploying web content filtering solutions that can block access to known malicious domains, implementing network segmentation to limit exposure, and conducting regular security assessments to identify potentially compromised systems. Security teams should also monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability, including unusual network connections or file modifications that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of maintaining current software versions and implementing layered security approaches to protect against memory corruption exploits that can lead to complete system compromise.