CVE-2014-4462 in WebKit
Summary
by MITRE
WebKit, as used in Apple iOS before 8.1.1 and Apple TV before 7.0.2, 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 CVE-2014-4452.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/25/2022
This vulnerability resides within the WebKit rendering engine that powers Apple's mobile browsers and embedded web components across iOS and Apple TV platforms. The flaw represents a memory corruption issue that can be exploited through maliciously crafted web content, enabling remote code execution or system crashes. The vulnerability affects versions of iOS prior to 8.1.1 and Apple TV prior to 7.0.2, indicating a significant attack surface across Apple's mobile ecosystem. From a technical perspective, this represents a classic heap-based buffer overflow or use-after-free condition that occurs during web page rendering, where improper memory management allows attackers to manipulate program execution flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to include full remote code execution capabilities, making it particularly dangerous for mobile platforms where users frequently browse untrusted websites. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by hosting malicious web content that triggers the memory corruption when rendered by the WebKit engine. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-125 indicates improper access to memory regions, while its potential for remote code execution aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.004 for command and scripting interpreter. This flaw essentially allows attackers to bypass mobile security boundaries and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
Security professionals must understand that this vulnerability represents a critical threat vector in mobile environments where users expect secure browsing experiences. The fact that it operates through web content delivery makes it particularly insidious as users may encounter malicious sites during normal browsing activities. The memory corruption nature suggests that attackers can manipulate heap allocations and control program flow through carefully crafted input, making this a prime example of a privilege escalation vulnerability. Organizations should prioritize immediate patch deployment across all affected Apple platforms, as the vulnerability's remote exploitability means that no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website is required for successful exploitation. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of patched systems to ensure that the memory management fixes properly address the underlying heap corruption issue.