CVE-2014-4474 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-2014-4474 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within WebKit's JavaScript engine that affected multiple versions of Apple Safari. This vulnerability demonstrates the inherent risks associated with complex web rendering engines that process untrusted content from web pages, where a single memory corruption issue can lead to complete system compromise. The affected versions include Safari 6.2.0 and earlier, Safari 7.0.x and 7.0.0 through 7.1.0, and Safari 8.0.0 and earlier, indicating this flaw persisted across multiple major releases and represented a significant security gap in Apple's browser implementation. The vulnerability operates through a crafted web page that, when loaded in Safari, triggers memory corruption conditions that can be exploited by remote attackers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a memory corruption issue within WebKit's JavaScript engine that occurs during the processing of maliciously crafted web content. This flaw allows attackers to manipulate memory structures in ways that can lead to arbitrary code execution or denial of service conditions. The vulnerability is classified as a memory corruption issue that falls under the CWE-125 weakness category, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can result in memory corruption. The flaw specifically impacts the JavaScript engine's handling of certain object types and memory management operations, creating opportunities for attackers to overwrite memory locations or manipulate program execution flow. The attack vector requires a remote web page that, when rendered by Safari, triggers the vulnerable code path through JavaScript execution or DOM manipulation.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-4474 is severe and encompasses both remote code execution capabilities and denial of service conditions that can affect system availability. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could potentially execute arbitrary code on affected systems with the privileges of the Safari process, which typically runs with the user's privileges and can lead to full system compromise. The memory corruption can also cause application crashes that result in denial of service, effectively preventing users from accessing web content through Safari. This vulnerability particularly impacts enterprise and individual users who rely on Safari for web browsing, as it can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious websites, phishing campaigns, or compromised web pages that users might inadvertently visit.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-4474 primarily involve applying the security patches released by Apple as part of their regular security updates. The affected Safari versions should be immediately updated to the patched versions 6.2.1, 7.1.1, and 8.0.1 respectively, which contain fixes for the memory corruption issue. Network administrators should implement proactive security measures including web content filtering, browser hardening configurations, and regular security updates to prevent exploitation attempts. Additional defensive measures include implementing sandboxing techniques, restricting browser permissions, and monitoring for suspicious web traffic patterns. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript execution and T1499.004 for application or system exploitation, highlighting the need for layered security approaches that address both the immediate vulnerability and broader attack surface considerations. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and browser security policies that can detect and block malicious web content before it reaches vulnerable systems.