CVE-2014-4414 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
WebKit, as used in Apple iOS before 8 and Apple TV before 7, 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-2014-09-17-1 and APPLE-SA-2014-09-17-2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/20/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4414 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within WebKit engine components that power Apple's iOS and Apple TV operating systems. This vulnerability exists in versions prior to iOS 8 and Apple TV software version 7, making a substantial user base susceptible to exploitation. The flaw manifests through specially crafted web content that, when rendered by the affected WebKit implementation, triggers unpredictable behavior leading to potential code execution or system instability. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates through standard web browsing channels, requiring no special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory handling within WebKit's rendering engine, specifically involving buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions that occur when processing malformed web content. These memory corruption issues typically arise from insufficient input validation and bounds checking during web page parsing and rendering operations. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate memory structures in ways that can lead to arbitrary code execution, making it a severe threat vector for remote exploitation. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability would be categorized under CWE-119 Improper Access to Memory Location, which encompasses various memory corruption vulnerabilities including buffer overflows, use-after-free errors, and other memory handling flaws that can result in privilege escalation or code execution.
From an operational perspective, the impact of CVE-2014-4414 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to encompass full system compromise potential. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code remotely, potentially gaining unauthorized access to user devices and accessing sensitive data. The vulnerability's exploitation pathway through web content makes it particularly dangerous as users can be compromised simply by visiting malicious websites without any additional interaction. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK framework technique T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries use vulnerabilities in applications to execute malicious code on target systems. The vulnerability affects not just individual users but also enterprise environments where mobile device management policies may not immediately protect against such widespread exploitation vectors.
The remediation strategy for CVE-2014-4414 requires immediate deployment of Apple's security updates, specifically iOS 8 and Apple TV software version 7 or later, which contain patches addressing the underlying memory corruption issues. Organizations should prioritize updating their managed devices and implement robust patch management procedures to prevent exploitation. Network administrators should consider implementing web content filtering solutions to block access to known malicious domains, though this represents a defensive measure rather than a complete solution. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability, particularly unusual application crashes or memory access patterns. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw necessitates comprehensive security awareness training for users to avoid visiting untrusted websites and to recognize potential phishing attempts that may leverage such vulnerabilities. Additionally, system administrators should conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify any remaining systems that may be running unsupported software versions vulnerable to this and similar memory corruption flaws.