CVE-2014-4415 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.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/20/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4415 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within WebKit engine components that power Apple's mobile operating systems and television platforms. This vulnerability specifically affects Apple iOS versions prior to 8.0 and Apple TV software versions prior to 7.0, creating a significant attack surface for remote threat actors who can leverage malicious web content to compromise affected systems. The flaw resides in how WebKit processes certain web page elements, particularly when handling memory allocation and deallocation during web rendering operations. This issue demonstrates the inherent complexity of modern web browsers and their underlying rendering engines, where memory management errors can translate into severe security implications for end-user devices.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully crafted web content that triggers specific memory corruption patterns within the WebKit engine. Attackers can construct malicious websites that, when loaded in Safari or other WebKit-based browsers, cause the application to allocate or access memory in unintended ways. This memory corruption can lead to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected application, potentially allowing attackers to bypass system security controls and execute malicious payloads. The vulnerability's classification as a memory corruption issue aligns with common attack patterns documented in the CWE database under CWE-122 and CWE-125, which describe buffer overflow and out-of-bounds read/write conditions that can result in privilege escalation and system compromise. The flaw operates at the intersection of browser security and operating system integrity, where improper memory handling in a high-level application can cascade into system-level vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-4415 extends beyond simple application crashes to encompass full system compromise potential. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected devices, potentially enabling them to install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors. The attack vector through web browsing makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it susceptible to drive-by download attacks and phishing campaigns. Additionally, the vulnerability affects both iOS mobile devices and Apple TV platforms, creating a broad attack surface that spans consumer electronics and mobile computing environments. The potential for denial of service attacks combined with arbitrary code execution capabilities makes this vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise environments where these devices might be used for business operations.
Organizations and users should implement immediate mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability, including updating to the latest supported versions of iOS and Apple TV software where patches are available. The vulnerability's nature as a memory corruption issue requires comprehensive patch management processes that ensure all affected systems receive security updates promptly. System administrators should also consider implementing network-based protections such as web content filtering and intrusion detection systems to monitor for malicious web traffic patterns associated with exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify any remaining systems that may not have received the necessary updates, as this vulnerability could be exploited in targeted attacks against specific organizations. The remediation process should align with industry best practices for vulnerability management and security hardening, including the implementation of least privilege principles and regular security testing to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.