CVE-2013-0962 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in WebKit in Apple iOS before 6.1 allows user-assisted remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via crafted content that is not properly handled during a copy-and-paste operation.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0962 represents a significant cross-site scripting flaw within Apple iOS WebKit implementation that affected versions prior to 6.1. This security weakness resides in the browser engine's handling of copy-and-paste operations, creating a vector through which malicious actors could execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code on affected devices. The vulnerability operates under the classification of CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting attacks, where improperly sanitized user input is executed in the context of a victim's browser session.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs during copy-and-paste operations when WebKit fails to properly sanitize or escape content that contains malicious script tags or HTML elements. Attackers can craft specially formatted content that appears benign but contains hidden script payloads designed to execute when users perform copy-paste actions within the iOS environment. This user-assisted attack model requires minimal interaction from the victim beyond the routine copy-and-paste functionality, making the exploitation particularly insidious as it leverages normal user behavior patterns. The flaw exists in the WebKit rendering engine's content sanitization process during clipboard operations, where the system does not adequately validate or escape potentially dangerous content before it is processed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution to encompass potential data theft, session hijacking, and malicious redirection attacks. When successfully exploited, the XSS vulnerability could allow attackers to access sensitive user information, manipulate web applications, or redirect users to malicious sites without their knowledge. The vulnerability's presence in the iOS operating system affects millions of devices globally, creating a substantial attack surface for threat actors targeting mobile users. Users engaging in routine copy-and-paste operations across various applications and websites could unknowingly trigger the exploit, particularly when dealing with content from untrusted sources or when interacting with compromised web applications.
This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 which covers "Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment" and T1566.002 which addresses "Phishing: Spearphishing Link" as attackers could craft malicious content that, when pasted, executes malicious scripts. The remediation strategy involves upgrading to iOS 6.1 or later versions where Apple has implemented proper content sanitization for clipboard operations. Security professionals should also implement web application firewalls and content security policies to mitigate potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of copy-paste operations from untrusted sources and the implementation of strict input validation controls within web applications can help reduce the attack surface for similar vulnerabilities. The fix demonstrates Apple's commitment to addressing browser engine security issues and highlights the importance of proper content sanitization in mobile operating systems where user interaction with clipboard functionality is frequent and routine.