CVE-2014-1339 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-2014-1339 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within WebKit engine components that power Apple Safari browser implementations. This vulnerability affects Safari versions prior to 6.1.4 for the 6.x series and 7.0.4 for the 7.x series, creating a significant attack surface for remote threat actors seeking to compromise user systems through web-based exploitation. The flaw manifests in how WebKit processes certain web content, specifically when handling crafted web sites that trigger memory corruption conditions leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability. The vulnerability operates outside the scope of other WebKit-related CVEs documented in APPLE-SA-2014-05-21-1, indicating a distinct code path or memory handling mechanism that requires separate remediation approaches. This classification suggests the vulnerability may stem from improper memory management or buffer overflow conditions within the browser's rendering engine.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves constructing malicious web content that, when rendered by affected Safari versions, triggers memory corruption patterns within WebKit's memory management subsystem. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the compromised browser process, potentially leading to full system compromise. The memory corruption occurs during the parsing or rendering of specific web elements, likely involving JavaScript execution contexts or DOM manipulation operations that interact with memory structures in unexpected ways. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-122 category of "Heap-based Buffer Overflow" or similar memory corruption patterns, where improper bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The attack vector requires user interaction through visiting a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or compromised web infrastructure scenarios.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-1339 extends beyond immediate execution capabilities to include potential denial of service conditions that can crash the Safari application or cause system instability. When exploited, the vulnerability can result in complete application crashes, forcing users to restart their browsers and potentially lose unsaved work or session data. The arbitrary code execution capability provides attackers with persistent access to compromised systems, enabling them to install malware, steal credentials, or establish command and control channels. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to initial access through web-based attacks and privilege escalation through browser exploitation, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where Safari is commonly used. Organizations may experience increased security incidents, data breaches, or system compromise events following exploitation of this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-1339 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment and browser version updates to the patched Safari versions 6.1.4 and 7.0.4. System administrators should implement automated patch management solutions to ensure all affected Safari installations are updated promptly, particularly in enterprise environments where browser usage is standardized. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls or content filtering systems can provide additional layers of defense by blocking access to known malicious domains or content patterns associated with exploitation attempts. Browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary JavaScript features, implementing content security policies, and using sandboxing technologies can reduce the attack surface and limit potential exploitation outcomes. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for unpatched Safari versions to prevent exploitation opportunities. Organizations should also consider implementing user education programs to raise awareness about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping browser software up to date with security patches.