CVE-2014-1323 in Safari
Summary
by MITRE
WebKit, as used in Apple Safari before 6.1.4 and 7.x before 7.0.4, 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-2014-05-21-1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1323 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within WebKit engine components that power Apple Safari browser functionality. This vulnerability affects Safari versions prior to 6.1.4 for the 6.x series and 7.0.4 for the 7.x series, making it a significant concern for users of these browser versions. The flaw manifests through crafted web content that can trigger unauthorized code execution or system instability, creating potential attack vectors for malicious actors seeking to compromise user systems.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within WebKit's rendering engine, specifically affecting how the browser handles certain web page elements and data structures. When users navigate to maliciously crafted websites, the vulnerable code path leads to memory corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the running browser process. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 weakness category, which encompasses out-of-bounds read conditions that can result in memory corruption and potential code execution.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a substantial risk to end users as it enables remote code execution without requiring any local privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. The attack surface is particularly broad since it leverages the browser as the initial compromise vector, making it a preferred target for cybercriminals seeking to deploy malware or establish persistent access to victim systems. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which covers command and scripting interpreter execution, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute malicious commands on compromised systems.
The impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential denial of service conditions that can cause browser crashes and application instability. This dual nature makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as attackers can either maintain persistent access through code execution or disrupt user productivity through service disruption. The memory corruption aspect specifically targets WebKit's JavaScript engine and rendering components, making it particularly effective against modern browser-based attack methodologies.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability requires immediate remediation through browser updates, as it represents a zero-day threat that could be actively exploited in the wild. The fix implemented by Apple in subsequent releases involved memory safety improvements and input validation enhancements within WebKit's core rendering engine. Organizations should prioritize patch management processes to ensure all affected Safari installations receive the necessary updates, as the vulnerability's exploitation can lead to complete system compromise. The remediation approach aligns with industry best practices for addressing memory corruption vulnerabilities and follows the principle of least privilege by ensuring that browser processes operate with minimal necessary permissions.