CVE-2013-0960 in WebKitGTK+
Summary
by MITRE
WebKit in Apple Safari before 6.0.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted web site, a different vulnerability than CVE-2013-0961.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/11/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0960 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within the WebKit rendering engine that powers Apple Safari browser versions prior to 6.0.3. This vulnerability falls under the category of remote code execution and denial of service conditions, demonstrating the inherent risks associated with complex browser components that handle untrusted web content. The flaw specifically manifests when users visit maliciously crafted websites that exploit memory corruption issues within WebKit's processing mechanisms, creating potential pathways for attackers to gain unauthorized system access or disrupt normal browser operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within WebKit's JavaScript engine and HTML rendering components. Attackers can craft specific web pages containing malicious code that triggers buffer overflows, use-after-free conditions, or other memory corruption patterns when the browser attempts to process the malformed content. These memory corruption issues typically occur during the parsing of complex web elements such as JavaScript objects, DOM manipulation sequences, or HTML attributes that exceed normal processing boundaries. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for arbitrary code execution, meaning attackers can potentially install malware, steal user data, or take complete control of affected systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-0960 extends beyond simple browser exploitation to encompass broader security implications for enterprise environments and individual users. Organizations running affected Safari versions face significant risk exposure since users can be compromised simply by visiting malicious websites, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or targeted attacks. The vulnerability's similarity to CVE-2013-0961 indicates a pattern of memory corruption issues within the same WebKit codebase, suggesting systemic problems in how the rendering engine handles certain input conditions. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as "Out-of-bounds Read" and CWE-787 as "Out-of-bounds Write" in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, highlighting the fundamental memory safety issues present in the affected code.
From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the Tactic of Execution and Defense Evasion. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute malicious payloads directly within the browser context, potentially bypassing traditional security controls that monitor network traffic or file execution. The vulnerability demonstrates how modern browsers, despite their complexity and security features, remain susceptible to memory corruption issues that can be exploited through seemingly benign web browsing activities. Organizations should note that this vulnerability affects not just individual users but also enterprise environments where Safari is the primary browser, making it a critical concern for IT security teams managing Mac-based systems. The remediation approach requires immediate patch deployment through Apple's security updates, as the vulnerability cannot be effectively mitigated through configuration changes or network-level controls alone.