CVE-2014-1311 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-2014-1311 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within WebKit's JavaScript engine that affected Apple Safari browsers across multiple versions. This vulnerability resides in the rendering engine's handling of certain JavaScript constructs and memory management operations, creating an exploitable condition that could be leveraged by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw specifically impacts Safari versions prior to 6.1.3 and 7.x versions before 7.0.3, making it a widespread concern for users of these browser iterations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory handling during JavaScript execution, particularly when processing malformed or crafted web content. Attackers could construct malicious web pages that, when loaded in affected Safari browsers, would trigger memory corruption conditions leading to unpredictable behavior. The vulnerability manifests through the browser's JavaScript engine's failure to properly validate memory operations, allowing attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially execute malicious code with the privileges of the browser process. This type of flaw typically falls under CWE-119 Improper Access to Memory Location, which encompasses various memory safety issues including buffer overflows, use-after-free conditions, and memory corruption scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation to encompass significant security risks for end users. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on victim machines, potentially leading to full system compromise. The memory corruption could also result in denial of service conditions causing browser crashes and application instability, disrupting user productivity and creating potential vectors for more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that users could be compromised simply by visiting a malicious website without any additional interaction required from the user, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns and drive-by download scenarios.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries leverage browser vulnerabilities to execute malicious code on target systems. The attack surface is broad since any user visiting a compromised website could be affected, and the exploitation does not require user interaction beyond normal browsing behavior. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of keeping browser software updated, as the issue was resolved through Apple's security updates that patched the underlying memory handling flaws. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management strategies to ensure all affected Safari installations receive the necessary security updates to prevent exploitation.
The remediation approach for CVE-2014-1311 involves immediate deployment of Apple's security patches and updates for Safari browsers. System administrators should prioritize updating all affected Safari installations to versions 6.1.3 or later for the 6.x series and 7.0.3 or later for the 7.x series. Additionally, network administrators may want to implement web filtering solutions and browser security policies to reduce exposure while patches are deployed. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of browser sandboxing and memory protection mechanisms, which should be reinforced through proper security configurations and user education regarding safe browsing practices to minimize the risk of exploitation.