CVE-2014-1349 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in Safari in Apple iOS before 7.1.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via an invalid URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2017
The CVE-2014-1349 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Apple Safari browser implementation within iOS versions prior to 7.1.2. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-416 category, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions where memory is accessed after it has been freed, creating a dangerous state that can be exploited by malicious actors. The flaw exists in the browser's handling of malformed URLs, particularly when processing invalid or malformed web addresses that trigger memory management errors during the parsing and rendering processes.
The technical execution of this vulnerability occurs when Safari encounters a specially crafted invalid URL that causes the browser to free memory associated with a particular object or resource while simultaneously allowing subsequent code to reference that freed memory location. This memory corruption can be leveraged by remote attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code on the target device, effectively bypassing the security boundaries of the iOS operating system. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can trigger the condition through web-based attacks without requiring physical access to the device, making it particularly dangerous in mobile environments where users frequently browse the internet.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-1349 extends beyond simple application crashes to encompass full system compromise capabilities that align with ATT&CK technique T1059.1004 for command and control through web services. When successfully exploited, this vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Safari process, potentially leading to complete device compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor access. The vulnerability affects all iOS versions up to and including 7.1.1, creating a substantial attack surface across millions of mobile devices that were vulnerable to this class of memory corruption exploit.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected iOS versions to 7.1.2 or later, which includes memory management improvements and enhanced input validation for URL parsing. Organizations should implement network-based protections such as web content filtering and URL blacklisting to prevent access to known malicious domains. Additionally, users should be educated about the dangers of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping their mobile devices updated with the latest security patches. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper memory management in mobile browser implementations and highlights how seemingly minor flaws in input validation can result in severe security consequences. Security professionals should monitor for exploitation attempts through network traffic analysis and implement robust monitoring for unusual browser behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts.