CVE-2013-5159 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
WebKit in Apple iOS before 7 allows remote attackers to bypass the Same Origin Policy and obtain potentially sensitive information about use of the window.webkitRequestAnimationFrame API via an IFRAME element.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-5159 represents a critical security flaw in Apple iOS WebKit implementation that undermines fundamental web security mechanisms. This issue affects iOS versions prior to version 7 and specifically targets the Same Origin Policy enforcement within the web browser engine. The Same Origin Policy serves as a cornerstone of web security by preventing scripts from one origin from accessing resources of another origin, thereby protecting user data and privacy across different websites. The flaw manifests through improper handling of the window.webkitRequestAnimationFrame API within IFRAME elements, creating a pathway for malicious actors to circumvent these essential security boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of IFRAME elements to access information about the webkitRequestAnimationFrame API usage across different origins. This API is used to schedule animations and is particularly sensitive because it provides timing information that could reveal user interaction patterns, browsing behavior, and potentially sensitive application state information. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that embed IFRAME elements designed to probe and extract data about how this API is being used in different contexts, effectively bypassing the security restrictions that should prevent such cross-origin information leakage.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables sophisticated reconnaissance attacks that could lead to more severe consequences. By obtaining information about API usage patterns, attackers can build detailed profiles of user behavior and application state, which could be leveraged in subsequent attacks. This type of information leakage could be particularly damaging in environments where users access sensitive applications or perform confidential activities, as it provides attackers with insights that could be used to craft more targeted attacks or exploit other vulnerabilities. The vulnerability particularly affects web applications that rely on timing information for security purposes or that implement custom security measures based on API usage patterns.
The security implications of this flaw align with CWE-200, which addresses "Information Exposure," and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1056.1001 for "Input Injection" and T1566.002 for "Phishing via Social Media." The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws in browser components can create significant security risks. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to iOS version 7 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. Additionally, web application developers should review their applications for reliance on potentially exposed timing information and consider implementing additional security measures to protect against such information leakage scenarios.
The flaw represents a classic example of how browser security mechanisms can be bypassed through careful exploitation of API interactions, highlighting the importance of comprehensive security testing for browser components. This vulnerability underscores the need for continuous security assessment and the critical importance of keeping software updated to protect against known exploits. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and ensure that their iOS devices and applications are properly maintained with the latest security patches to prevent exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities.