CVE-2014-1330 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 exists 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 memory corruption issue that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems or cause denial of service conditions through maliciously crafted web content. The vulnerability operates by exploiting specific memory handling mechanisms within the WebKit engine, creating opportunities for privilege escalation and system compromise. Unlike other WebKit vulnerabilities documented in APPLE-SA-2014-05-21-1, this particular flaw demonstrates distinct characteristics in its exploitation methodology and impact scope. The technical nature of this vulnerability places it within the purview of CWE-119, which addresses memory corruption issues, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.003 for command and script injection through web-based interfaces.
The exploitation of this vulnerability typically involves crafting malicious web pages that trigger memory corruption during normal browser rendering operations. When users visit these malicious sites, the WebKit engine processes the content in a manner that leads to memory corruption, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the browser process. This memory corruption can manifest as heap corruption, stack overflow conditions, or other memory management flaws that result in unpredictable behavior and potential code execution. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution to include denial of service scenarios where legitimate browser functionality becomes compromised, leading to application crashes and system instability. The flaw demonstrates particular risk in web browsing environments where users encounter untrusted content, making it a significant concern for enterprise and individual security postures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability affects users of affected Safari versions across various operating systems including macOS and iOS platforms. Organizations relying on Safari as their primary browser face potential security breaches that could result in data compromise, system infiltration, or service disruption. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not require physical access to target systems, significantly expanding the attack surface. Security professionals must consider this vulnerability in the context of broader WebKit security assessments, as it represents one of several memory corruption issues that can provide attackers with elevated privileges. The timing of this vulnerability's discovery and the subsequent patch release in Safari 6.1.4 and 7.0.4 indicates a relatively quick response from Apple, though the window of exposure represents a significant security gap during which systems remained vulnerable to exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate software updates to the patched Safari versions. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all affected systems receive updates promptly. Additional defensive measures include browser hardening configurations, implementation of web content filtering solutions, and user education regarding suspicious web content. Security monitoring should include detection of exploitation attempts through network traffic analysis and endpoint monitoring for unusual browser behavior. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current browser versions and implementing layered security approaches that reduce the attack surface for web-based exploits. Regular vulnerability assessments and security audits should specifically target browser components to identify and remediate similar memory corruption issues. Organizations should also consider implementing security controls that limit browser access to sensitive systems and data, reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.