CVE-2014-1289 in WebKit
Summary
by MITRE
WebKit, as used in Apple iOS before 7.1 and Apple TV 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 CVE-2014-1290, CVE-2014-1291, CVE-2014-1292, CVE-2014-1293, and CVE-2014-1294.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2026
This vulnerability resides within the WebKit rendering engine that powers Apple's mobile operating systems and Apple TV platform, representing a critical memory corruption flaw that enables remote code execution. The vulnerability affects Apple iOS versions prior to 7.1 and Apple TV versions prior to 6.1, where the WebKit engine fails to properly validate memory operations when processing malicious web content. Attackers can craft specifically designed web pages that trigger memory corruption conditions within the browser's memory management system, leading to arbitrary code execution or system crashes that can be exploited to compromise user devices. The flaw operates through improper handling of memory allocation and deallocation processes, particularly when processing complex web elements or JavaScript code that exceeds normal memory boundaries. This vulnerability demonstrates a classic memory safety issue that aligns with common weakness enumerations such as CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it leverages the browser as an initial compromise vector, allowing attackers to execute malicious code directly on target devices without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a compromised website. The memory corruption occurs during normal web browsing operations when the WebKit engine encounters malformed or overly complex web content that triggers buffer overflow or heap corruption scenarios. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through standard web browsing activities, making it highly accessible to threat actors who can simply host malicious content on compromised websites or use social engineering to lure victims to malicious pages. The impact extends beyond simple application crashes to potentially full system compromise, as successful exploitation can lead to persistent backdoor access, data exfiltration, and complete device control. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability represents a significant risk to enterprise and individual users alike, as it can be leveraged through drive-by downloads or compromised websites that automatically execute malicious payloads when users visit them. The exploitability characteristics align with attack techniques documented in the attack tree framework, where the initial access vector through web browsing creates a pathway for more sophisticated attacks such as privilege escalation, lateral movement, and persistence establishment. Organizations must consider this vulnerability in their threat modeling exercises and understand that the attack surface includes not just direct web browsing but also any application or service that relies on WebKit for web content rendering. The remediation approach requires immediate patching of affected systems, with Apple releasing iOS 7.1 and Apple TV 6.1 updates that address the memory corruption issues through improved memory validation routines and enhanced input sanitization mechanisms. Security teams should implement network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering to prevent access to known malicious domains while monitoring for exploitation attempts. Additionally, user education regarding safe browsing practices and the importance of keeping systems updated remains crucial in mitigating risks associated with such vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify similar memory corruption issues that may exist in other browser engines or web-based applications within the organization's attack surface.