CVE-2014-1384 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
WebKit, as used in Apple Safari before 6.1.6 and 7.x before 7.0.6, 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 HT6367.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/20/2022
This vulnerability affects WebKit rendering engine components within Apple Safari browser versions prior to specific patches, creating a critical security risk for users. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service conditions through maliciously crafted web content, representing a significant escalation in attack surface. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory operations within the WebKit engine, specifically related to how it processes certain web page elements. This memory corruption issue can lead to unpredictable application behavior including crashes or complete application termination, making it particularly dangerous for web browsing activities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves memory corruption patterns that allow attackers to manipulate memory addresses and execute malicious code remotely. The flaw is classified as a memory safety issue that can be exploited through web-based attacks without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. This type of vulnerability typically falls under CWE-125 which addresses out-of-bounds read conditions and CWE-787 which covers out-of-bounds write conditions. The attack vector leverages the browser's rendering engine to process malformed data structures that cause memory corruption, potentially leading to privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution within the browser context.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses severe risks to enterprise and individual users alike, as it can be exploited through simple web browsing activities. Attackers can craft malicious websites that trigger the memory corruption when loaded in affected Safari versions, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability affects not just individual users but also enterprise environments where Safari is used as the primary browser, creating widespread exposure across various deployment scenarios. Organizations using affected Safari versions are particularly vulnerable to targeted attacks that could result in data breaches or system compromise, as the attack requires no special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting the malicious site.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of affected Safari versions to the patched releases, specifically upgrading to Safari 6.1.6 or 7.0.6 and later. Organizations should implement web filtering solutions to block access to known malicious sites and consider deploying browser security extensions that can detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect suspicious traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, while endpoint protection measures should be enhanced to detect memory corruption patterns. The vulnerability aligns with several attack techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and code injection through browser-based attacks, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security controls beyond simple patching to protect against sophisticated exploitation attempts.