CVE-2014-4475 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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2022
CVE-2014-4475 represents a critical memory corruption vulnerability within WebKit engine that affected Apple Safari browsers across multiple versions. This vulnerability resides in the rendering engine that powers Safari and other web applications, making it a significant threat to user security and system stability. The flaw enables remote attackers to craft malicious websites that can trigger arbitrary code execution or cause application crashes through memory corruption techniques. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the core rendering layer of the browser, allowing attackers to bypass traditional security measures that typically protect against such attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper memory management within WebKit's JavaScript engine and rendering components. Attackers can exploit this weakness by constructing specially crafted web pages that manipulate memory structures in ways that were not properly validated or sanitized. When Safari processes these malicious pages, the corrupted memory segments lead to unpredictable behavior including code execution or application instability. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions, both of which are common patterns in memory corruption exploits. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of browser security and operating system memory management, creating a dangerous attack surface that can be leveraged for privilege escalation or persistent malware deployment.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-4475 extends beyond simple application crashes to encompass full system compromise potential. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Safari process, potentially leading to complete system infiltration. The attack vector requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous for targeted attacks against corporate networks or high-value individuals. Security researchers have documented how this vulnerability can be chained with other exploits to create sophisticated attack frameworks, and it aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers can establish persistent access through the executed code. Organizations using affected Safari versions face significant risk of data breaches, malware installation, and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-4475 primarily focus on immediate software updates and browser security hardening. Apple released patches in Safari 6.2.1, 7.1.1, and 8.0.1 that address the memory corruption issues through improved input validation and memory management routines. System administrators should prioritize immediate deployment of these patches across all affected systems, particularly in enterprise environments where the risk of targeted attacks is higher. Additional defensive measures include implementing browser security policies such as disabling JavaScript for untrusted sites, using sandboxing technologies, and deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious content. Network-level protections such as intrusion detection systems can also help identify exploitation attempts, though these may not prevent successful attacks on unpatched systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current software versions and implementing layered security approaches that protect against both known and emerging threats in the browser ecosystem.