CVE-2014-1333 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 • 06/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1333 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 that powers Safari's web browsing capabilities and specifically targets the JavaScriptCore JavaScript engine component. The flaw manifests when processing maliciously crafted web content that triggers improper memory handling during JavaScript execution, leading to unpredictable behavior that can be exploited by remote attackers. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows for arbitrary code execution, making it a severe threat to user security and system integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves memory corruption that occurs during JavaScript object manipulation and memory allocation processes. When a malicious website is visited, the WebKit engine processes JavaScript code that contains specific patterns designed to exploit memory management flaws within the JavaScriptCore engine. This particular vulnerability is classified as a heap-based buffer overflow or memory corruption issue that can be triggered through crafted JavaScript code containing malformed object references or improper memory operations. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate memory locations in ways that allow them to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the browser process, effectively compromising the user's system.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to enterprise and individual users alike, as it can be exploited through simple web browsing activities without requiring any special user interaction beyond visiting a compromised website. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it leverages the trust users place in web browsing, making it difficult to defend against through traditional user awareness measures. The vulnerability affects multiple Safari versions including those before 6.1.4 and 7.x before 7.0.4, indicating it was a widespread issue that impacted a large user base. The potential for both remote code execution and denial of service makes this vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to compromise systems and establish persistent access.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation as it represents a fundamental flaw in how Safari handles JavaScript memory management, creating a persistent security gap that could be used for advanced persistent threats. Organizations running affected Safari versions face increased risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their networks. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-121, which deals with stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript-based execution. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of regular browser updates and the potential for zero-day exploitation in widely used software components. The remediation requires immediate patching of affected Safari versions, with organizations needing to implement comprehensive browser update policies and monitoring systems to detect and respond to similar vulnerabilities in other browser components.