CVE-2014-1309 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
WebKit, as used in Apple Safari before 6.1.3 and 7.x before 7.0.3, 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 other WebKit CVEs listed in APPLE-SA-2014-04-01-1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/09/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1309 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within WebKit engine components that power Apple Safari browsers across multiple versions. This vulnerability specifically affects Safari versions prior to 6.1.3 and 7.x versions before 7.0.3, creating a significant attack surface that malicious actors could exploit to gain unauthorized code execution privileges. The flaw resides in how WebKit processes certain web content, enabling remote attackers to craft malicious websites that trigger memory corruption conditions leading to system instability or complete application crashes. The vulnerability operates through a sophisticated exploitation vector that leverages the browser's rendering engine to manipulate memory structures in ways that were not properly validated or sanitized during web page processing.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic heap-based memory corruption issue that falls under the broader category of software defects classified by CWE-122 as "Heap-based Buffer Overflow" and CWE-119 as "Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer." Attackers can construct specifically formatted web pages that, when rendered by the vulnerable Safari browser, cause the WebKit engine to improperly handle memory allocation and deallocation operations. This results in corrupted memory regions that can be manipulated to redirect program execution flow or cause the browser to crash entirely. The exploitation mechanism typically involves creating web content that triggers specific memory access patterns, potentially through JavaScript execution or complex DOM manipulation sequences that exhaust or corrupt heap memory structures.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates severe security implications for users of affected Safari versions as it enables remote code execution capabilities that could be leveraged for full system compromise. The memory corruption nature of the vulnerability means that successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Safari process, potentially leading to complete system takeover. Additionally, the denial of service component of this vulnerability creates opportunities for persistent disruption attacks where users experience repeated browser crashes or system instability. The attack surface is particularly concerning given Safari's widespread use on macOS systems and the ease with which malicious websites can be constructed to exploit this flaw without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a compromised site.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-1309 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment as recommended by Apple's security advisories. Organizations should prioritize updating Safari to versions 6.1.3 or 7.0.3 and later to eliminate the vulnerability. Network administrators should implement web filtering solutions that can block access to known malicious domains and employ sandboxing techniques to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary JavaScript features, implementing strict content security policies, and using browser isolation technologies can provide additional defense layers. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security updates and patch management processes, as it demonstrates how seemingly isolated browser engine flaws can create significant security risks when combined with other exploitation techniques. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability.