CVE-2014-4459 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in WebKit, as used in Apple OS X before 10.10.1, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted page objects in an HTML document.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2022
The CVE-2014-4459 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw within WebKit's JavaScriptCore engine that affected Apple's operating systems prior to version 10.10.1. This vulnerability specifically resides in the memory management mechanisms of the web rendering engine that powers Safari and other Apple applications. The flaw manifests when processing crafted HTML documents containing malicious page objects that trigger improper memory deallocation followed by subsequent access to freed memory locations. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited remotely through web-based attacks without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. The underlying technical mechanism involves the JavaScriptCore engine's failure to properly track object references during garbage collection cycles, leading to scenarios where freed memory blocks are still accessible to subsequent operations. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-416 category of Use After Free, which is classified as a serious memory safety issue that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The attack vector leverages the browser's handling of complex web page objects and their associated memory management, making it particularly effective in modern web environments where JavaScript execution is prevalent.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows remote code execution with the privileges of the web browser process, which typically runs with limited user privileges but can potentially be escalated through additional exploitation techniques. The memory corruption resulting from the use-after-free condition can be manipulated to overwrite critical memory locations, including function pointers or return addresses, enabling attackers to redirect program execution flow. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in the context of the ATT&CK framework's execution tactics, where attackers can leverage such flaws to establish persistent access or deploy additional malicious payloads. The exploitation requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage, making it a prime target for drive-by download attacks and phishing campaigns. The vulnerability's presence in WebKit's JavaScriptCore engine means that any application relying on this engine for web content rendering becomes potentially vulnerable, including Safari, Mail, and various third-party applications that utilize WebKit components.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-4459 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment and system hardening measures. Apple released security updates for OS X 10.10.1 and subsequent versions that addressed the memory management issues within JavaScriptCore. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of these patches across all affected systems to prevent exploitation. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls, enabling sandboxing features, and configuring browser security settings to limit potentially dangerous JavaScript operations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security updates and the need for robust memory safety practices in browser engine development. Network-based protections such as intrusion detection systems can help detect exploitation attempts, though they may not prevent successful attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing user education programs to recognize potentially malicious web content and avoid visiting untrusted websites. The incident underscores the necessity of following secure coding practices and conducting thorough code reviews for memory management operations, particularly in complex JavaScript engines where resource lifecycle management is critical. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should include evaluation of browser engine vulnerabilities to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited in the wild.