CVE-2014-1390 in Safari
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 • 02/10/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1390 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within WebKit engine components that power Apple Safari browsers across multiple versions. This vulnerability specifically affects Safari versions prior to 6.1.6 and 7.x versions before 7.0.6, making it a significant concern for users operating these outdated browser versions. The flaw manifests through crafted web content that can be delivered via malicious websites, enabling attackers to exploit the underlying memory management issues in the WebKit rendering engine.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves memory corruption that can be triggered through carefully constructed web pages containing malicious JavaScript or HTML elements. When a user visits an affected website, the WebKit engine processes the malicious content and encounters a memory handling error that results in either arbitrary code execution or application crash. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations. The memory corruption occurs during the normal processing of web content, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through routine browsing activities without requiring special user interaction beyond visiting the malicious site.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to end users as it allows remote attackers to gain unauthorized control over affected systems. The ability to execute arbitrary code remotely means that attackers could potentially install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access to compromised systems. The denial of service aspect further compounds the threat by allowing attackers to crash the Safari application, potentially disrupting user productivity and creating opportunities for additional attacks. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Windows Command Shell and T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as the exploitation could involve command execution through browser-based attack vectors.
The impact extends beyond individual users to enterprise environments where Safari is widely used, particularly in macOS environments where Apple's browser dominates web browsing activities. Organizations running older Safari versions are particularly vulnerable as the patching cycle for browser components often lags behind other security updates, leaving extended windows of exposure. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current browser versions and implementing comprehensive patch management strategies to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities in widely used software components. The vulnerability also highlights the need for web application firewalls and browser security controls that can detect and block malicious web content before it can trigger memory corruption in the rendering engine.