CVE-2014-1329 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
This vulnerability resides within the WebKit rendering engine that powers Apple Safari browsers across multiple versions including Safari 6.1.3 and earlier, as well as Safari 7.x versions prior to 7.0.4. The flaw represents a critical memory corruption issue that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems through maliciously crafted web content. The vulnerability operates by exploiting memory handling mechanisms within the browser engine, specifically targeting memory management functions that process web page elements. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions. The attack vector requires a user to visit a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous as it can be delivered through phishing campaigns or compromised legitimate websites. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with advanced persistent threat techniques as outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1203, which covers Exploitation for Client Execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves memory corruption that occurs when WebKit processes specific web content structures. Attackers can craft web pages containing malformed data that triggers buffer overflows or use after free conditions within the browser's memory management system. When Safari processes these malicious elements, the corrupted memory leads to unpredictable behavior that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code or cause application crashes. The memory corruption typically occurs during the parsing and rendering of HTML elements, CSS styles, or JavaScript code that interacts with the browser's internal memory structures. This vulnerability represents a classic example of a heap-based buffer overflow that allows attackers to manipulate memory pointers and potentially redirect program execution flow.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-1329 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass full system compromise capabilities. Successful exploitation can result in complete system control, data theft, or persistent backdoor installation on vulnerable systems. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Apple devices including Mac computers, iPhones, and iPads that utilize the affected Safari versions. Organizations and individuals using these vulnerable browsers face significant risk as the attack requires minimal user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently access compromised websites, potentially leading to widespread security breaches across networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of affected Safari versions to the recommended updates that address the memory corruption issues. System administrators should implement browser security policies that restrict access to untrusted websites and deploy web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious content. Additionally, users should maintain awareness of phishing attempts and avoid visiting suspicious websites. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security updates and proper patch management procedures. Organizations should consider implementing browser isolation techniques and monitoring for unusual network activity that may indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also review their incident response procedures to ensure readiness for potential exploitation of similar memory corruption vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of patched browsers to verify that the vulnerability has been properly addressed without introducing new compatibility issues.