CVE-2014-1365 in Safari
Summary
by MITRE
WebKit, as used in Apple iOS before 7.1.2, Apple Safari before 6.1.5 and 7.x before 7.0.5, and Apple TV before 6.1.2, 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-2014-06-30-1, APPLE-SA-2014-06-30-3, and APPLE-SA-2014-06-30-4.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2022
This vulnerability resides within the WebKit rendering engine that powers Apple's mobile and desktop browsers, representing a critical memory corruption flaw that enables remote code execution through malicious web content. The vulnerability affects multiple Apple products including iOS versions prior to 7.1.2, Safari versions before 6.1.5 and 7.x before 7.0.5, and Apple TV before 6.1.2, demonstrating the widespread impact of WebKit-based security issues across Apple's ecosystem. The flaw manifests when processing crafted web content that triggers memory corruption, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or application crashes, making it particularly dangerous for users who browse the internet regularly.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with common software security flaws categorized under CWE-119 Improper Access to Memory, where WebKit fails to properly validate memory operations during web page rendering. This type of vulnerability typically occurs when the browser engine does not adequately check buffer boundaries or memory allocation limits when processing malformed web content, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory layout and execute malicious code. The issue represents a classic heap-based buffer overflow or use-after-free condition that can be exploited through carefully crafted web pages, leveraging the browser's JavaScript engine and rendering capabilities to achieve remote code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes, as it provides attackers with persistent remote access capabilities that can be leveraged for data theft, system compromise, or further exploitation. Attackers can craft malicious websites that, when visited by vulnerable users, automatically trigger the memory corruption exploit without requiring any user interaction beyond normal browsing. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios where adversaries can deliver malicious payloads through compromised websites or phishing campaigns. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw places it in the high-risk category according to industry security frameworks, as it allows attackers to gain complete control over affected systems without physical access or prior authentication.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of all affected Apple products, as recommended by Apple's security advisories. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive updates promptly, as the vulnerability's exploitation potential makes it critical to address immediately. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions can provide additional layers of defense, though they cannot fully prevent exploitation of this type of vulnerability. Users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping their browsers and operating systems updated. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual browser behavior or memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and incident response procedures should be established to handle potential compromise scenarios. The vulnerability's nature as a memory corruption flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, where attackers can leverage the remote code execution capability to establish persistent access and execute additional malicious payloads within the compromised system environment.