CVE-2014-4466 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
WebKit, as used in Apple Safari before 6.2.1, 7.x before 7.1.1, and 8.x before 8.0.1, 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-2014-12-2-1.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4466 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within WebKit's JavaScript engine that affected Apple Safari browsers across multiple versions. This issue stems from improper handling of memory allocation and deallocation during web page rendering processes, creating a pathway for remote code execution through maliciously crafted web content. The vulnerability specifically impacts Safari versions prior to 6.2.1, 7.1.1, and 8.0.1, indicating a widespread exposure across Apple's browser ecosystem during that time period. The flaw operates at the core level of browser rendering, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without user interaction beyond visiting a compromised website.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, representing out-of-bounds write operations that can lead to memory corruption. Attackers could leverage this weakness by constructing malicious web pages that trigger specific memory access patterns, causing buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions within WebKit's memory management systems. The exploitation mechanism typically involves manipulating JavaScript objects and their memory references in ways that corrupt the browser's heap memory, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the browser process. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK framework's T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter, specifically targeting browser-based execution environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-4466 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass full system compromise potential. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability could enable attackers to execute malicious code on affected systems, potentially leading to data theft, system takeover, or deployment of additional malware. The memory corruption aspects make this particularly dangerous as they can cause unpredictable behavior including browser crashes, application instability, and in severe cases, complete system compromise. Organizations using affected Safari versions faced significant risk exposure since the vulnerability could be triggered through simple web browsing activities without requiring any special user actions or privileges. The widespread adoption of Safari across Apple's ecosystem meant that this vulnerability had broad potential impact across both consumer and enterprise environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-4466 centered primarily on applying official security patches released by Apple, which addressed the underlying memory management issues in WebKit's JavaScript engine. System administrators should have prioritized immediate deployment of Safari updates, particularly for versions 6.2.1, 7.1.1, and 8.0.1, to close this vulnerability. Additional protective measures included implementing browser security policies, disabling JavaScript when not required, and utilizing network-based security solutions such as web application firewalls to filter malicious content. Organizations should have also considered temporary browser isolation techniques and monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlighted the importance of maintaining up-to-date browser software and implementing comprehensive patch management processes to protect against similar memory corruption issues in the future.