CVE-2013-0959 in WebKitGTK+
Summary
by MITRE
WebKit, as used in Apple iOS before 6.1, 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-2013-01-28-1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/11/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0959 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within WebKit engine implementation in Apple iOS versions prior to 6.1. This weakness resides in the browser rendering engine that powers Safari and other web-based applications on iOS devices, making it a prime target for remote exploitation. The vulnerability specifically manifests when WebKit processes maliciously crafted web content, creating conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution or deliberate system crashes. This issue is distinct from other WebKit vulnerabilities documented in APPLE-SA-2013-01-28-1, indicating a unique code path or memory handling mechanism that requires separate remediation approaches.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves improper memory management during web page rendering processes, where WebKit fails to properly validate or sanitize input data from web pages. When users visit compromised websites containing maliciously constructed HTML, JavaScript, or multimedia content, the WebKit engine's memory allocation and deallocation routines become corrupted, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite critical memory locations. This memory corruption can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application, typically Safari or other iOS applications utilizing WebKit. The flaw operates at the kernel or system-level memory management, making it particularly dangerous as it can bypass standard application sandboxing mechanisms. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-125: Out-of-bounds Read, which encompasses memory access violations that can lead to code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-0959 extends beyond simple application crashes to encompass full system compromise capabilities. Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or compromised websites. Successful exploitation can result in complete device takeover, data exfiltration, or persistent backdoor installation. Mobile device users face heightened risk as iOS applications lack the robust memory protection mechanisms found in desktop operating systems, making memory corruption attacks more effective. The vulnerability affects all iOS versions prior to 6.1, creating a substantial attack surface across multiple device generations and user bases. This weakness directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.003: Command and Scripting Interpreter: Windows Command Shell, as the memory corruption enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands within the device's security context.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch deployment through Apple's official software update mechanisms, specifically iOS 6.1 and subsequent releases. Organizations should implement network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to block access to known malicious domains. Users must maintain regular software update schedules and avoid visiting untrusted websites, particularly those containing multimedia content or complex scripting. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual network traffic patterns or application behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of comprehensive memory safety testing in browser engine development and highlights the need for continuous security auditing of core system components. Organizations should also consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can enforce automatic security updates and monitor for vulnerable device configurations. This vulnerability underscores the critical relationship between browser engine security and overall mobile device security posture, as WebKit serves as the primary interface between users and web-based threats on iOS platforms.