CVE-2014-4479 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
WebKit, as used in Apple iOS before 8.1.3; Apple Safari before 6.2.3, 7.x before 7.1.3, and 8.x before 8.0.3; and Apple TV before 7.0.3, 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-2014-4476 and CVE-2014-4477.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2022
This vulnerability resides within the WebKit rendering engine that powers Apple's web browsers and iOS devices, representing a critical memory corruption flaw that enables remote code execution. The vulnerability affects multiple Apple products including iOS versions before 8.1.3, Safari browser versions before 6.2.3, 7.x before 7.1.3, and 8.x before 8.0.3, as well as Apple TV before 7.0.3. The flaw manifests when users visit maliciously crafted websites that exploit memory corruption issues in WebKit's handling of web content. This vulnerability is classified as a memory corruption issue that can lead to arbitrary code execution or denial of service conditions, making it particularly dangerous for remote attackers who can leverage it without user interaction.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper memory management within WebKit's JavaScript engine and rendering components. Attackers can craft specific web pages containing malicious code that triggers buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions in the browser's memory allocation processes. These memory corruption issues occur during the parsing and execution of web content, particularly when handling complex JavaScript objects or manipulating DOM elements. The vulnerability is distinct from CVE-2014-4476 and CVE-2014-4477, indicating it represents a separate code path or memory handling issue within the same software component. This type of vulnerability typically falls under CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, or CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions, both of which are common in memory management flaws.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected devices without user interaction, effectively enabling remote compromise of iOS devices, Mac computers, and Apple TV systems. Once exploited, attackers can gain complete control over the affected system, potentially accessing sensitive user data, installing malicious applications, or using the compromised device as a pivot point for further attacks. The vulnerability's ability to cause denial of service through application crashes also makes it attractive for attackers seeking to disrupt services or create persistent availability issues. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, and T1074, which describes data staging through the use of remote access tools. The exploitation typically occurs during normal web browsing activities, making it particularly insidious as users may not realize they have been compromised until significant damage has occurred.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve applying the official security updates released by Apple, which include patches to WebKit's memory management routines and improved bounds checking. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all affected Apple devices receive timely updates. Network administrators should consider implementing web filtering solutions to block access to known malicious domains and monitor for exploitation attempts. Users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping their systems updated. Additional protective measures include enabling sandboxing features, using secure browsing practices, and implementing network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's nature as a memory corruption issue also suggests that implementing exploit prevention mechanisms such as address space layout randomization and stack canaries could provide additional defense in depth layers. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches in browser environments where memory corruption vulnerabilities can lead to complete system compromise.