CVE-2014-1341 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
This vulnerability resides within the WebKit rendering engine that powers Apple Safari browsers, representing a critical memory corruption flaw that enables remote code execution. The vulnerability affects Safari versions prior to 6.1.4 for version 6.x and 7.0.4 for version 7.x, making it a widespread issue across multiple browser generations. The flaw manifests when users visit malicious websites that contain specially crafted web content designed to exploit memory handling mechanisms within the WebKit engine. This particular vulnerability operates through a distinct code path compared to other WebKit vulnerabilities referenced in APPLE-SA-2014-05-21-1, indicating it represents a unique memory corruption pattern that was not addressed by the same patching efforts. The technical implementation involves improper memory management during web page rendering processes, where crafted input data causes the browser to allocate or access memory in an unsafe manner, leading to potential code execution or system instability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation as it provides attackers with a reliable method for remote code execution on vulnerable systems. When a user visits a malicious website, the crafted content triggers the memory corruption vulnerability, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the browser process. This could lead to complete system compromise, data theft, or persistent backdoor installation. The vulnerability also presents a denial of service vector where the memory corruption causes application crashes, effectively rendering the browser unusable and disrupting normal user operations. The memory corruption aspect aligns with common CWE categories related to memory safety issues, specifically CWE-125 for out-of-bounds read and CWE-787 for out-of-bounds write conditions that are frequently exploited in browser-based attacks. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability could potentially bypass security controls, escalate privileges, and maintain persistent access to compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Safari versions, as the official Apple security updates provide the necessary fixes for the memory corruption issues. System administrators should prioritize deployment of the Safari updates 6.1.4 and 7.0.4, which contain the specific patches addressing the memory handling flaws in the WebKit engine. Network security controls should include web content filtering and monitoring for suspicious web traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Browser hardening measures such as sandboxing, disabling unnecessary browser features, and implementing strict content security policies can reduce the attack surface. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise including unusual browser process behavior, unexpected network connections, or system performance degradation. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK framework would fall under T1059 for command and script interpreter and T1071 for application layer protocol, as attackers would use the compromised browser to execute malicious code and establish communication channels. Organizations should also implement regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other browser components and web applications that may present similar memory corruption risks.