CVE-2014-1387 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
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1387 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within WebKit engine components that power Apple Safari web browser implementations. This vulnerability affects Safari versions prior to 6.1.6 and 7.x versions before 7.0.6, indicating a widespread impact across multiple browser iterations that were actively used by millions of users. The flaw manifests through crafted web content that can trigger unauthorized code execution or system instability, making it a significant concern for both individual users and enterprise security teams.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory handling within WebKit's rendering engine, specifically involving memory corruption conditions that can be exploited through maliciously constructed web pages. Attackers can leverage this weakness by hosting specially crafted websites that, when loaded in affected Safari browsers, cause the application to behave unpredictably. The memory corruption occurs during the processing of web content, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the running browser process. This type of vulnerability typically falls under CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and may also relate to CWE-787, representing out-of-bounds write operations that can lead to memory corruption.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-1387 extends beyond simple application crashes, as it can enable full remote code execution capabilities that allow attackers to compromise user systems entirely. When exploited, this vulnerability can result in persistent malware installation, data theft, or complete system takeover depending on the attacker's objectives. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw places it within the ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and potentially T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. Organizations and individuals using affected Safari versions face significant risk exposure, particularly in environments where users may inadvertently browse compromised websites or receive malicious links through phishing campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-1387 primarily involve immediate software updates to the latest Safari versions that contain patches addressing the memory corruption issues. Apple released security updates specifically targeting this vulnerability, and users should ensure their browsers are updated to versions 6.1.6 or later for Safari 6.x, and 7.0.6 or later for Safari 7.x. Network security measures such as web content filtering and sandboxing techniques can provide additional protection layers while updates are being deployed. Security professionals should also implement monitoring for suspicious web traffic patterns and consider temporary browser restrictions in high-risk environments until full patch deployment is achieved. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current browser security patches and highlights how seemingly isolated memory corruption issues can result in complete system compromise.