CVE-2013-5129 in Safari
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in WebKit in Apple iOS before 7 allow user-assisted remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via vectors involving a (1) drag-and-drop or (2) copy-and-paste operation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-5129 represents a significant security flaw in Apple iOS versions prior to 7.0, specifically within the WebKit rendering engine that powers Safari and other web-based applications on the platform. This vulnerability falls under the category of cross-site scripting attacks, which occur when malicious scripts are injected into web pages viewed by other users. The flaw is particularly concerning because it leverages legitimate user interactions such as drag-and-drop and copy-paste operations, making it difficult to detect and prevent through conventional security measures.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through user-assisted remote attack vectors where an attacker must convince a victim to perform specific actions within a web application. When users engage in drag-and-drop operations or copy-and-paste activities involving web content, the WebKit engine fails to properly sanitize the input data, allowing malicious code to be executed within the context of the victim's browser session. This creates a persistent threat where attackers can inject arbitrary web script or HTML code that executes when the victim interacts with the affected web page.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-5129 extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary code within the user's browsing context. This could enable session hijacking, data theft, credential harvesting, or redirection to malicious websites. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it exploits common user behaviors that are typically considered safe, making it difficult for users to recognize the risk. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that appear legitimate, tricking users into performing actions that trigger the XSS payload, which then executes without user knowledge.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. The attack pattern follows typical ATT&CK techniques for initial access and execution, where adversaries leverage user interaction to establish a foothold within targeted systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and output encoding in web applications, as proper sanitization of user-supplied data could prevent the execution of malicious scripts. Organizations should prioritize updating affected iOS devices to version 7.0 or later, as this release includes the necessary patches to address the WebKit rendering engine vulnerabilities. Additionally, network administrators should implement web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to provide additional layers of protection against similar attacks.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical nature of mobile browser security, as iOS devices were increasingly used for sensitive activities including banking, email communication, and corporate data access. The user-assisted nature of the attack means that social engineering remains a significant factor in exploitation success, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security awareness training alongside technical mitigations. Security professionals should monitor for similar vulnerabilities in other mobile platforms and web browsers, as the attack vectors described in CVE-2013-5129 represent common patterns that have been exploited in numerous other security incidents throughout the industry.