CVE-2015-1068 in Safari
Summary
by MITRE
WebKit, as used in Apple Safari before 6.2.4, 7.x before 7.1.4, and 8.x before 8.0.4, 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 CVEs listed in APPLE-SA-2015-03-17-1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/15/2022
This vulnerability resides within the WebKit rendering engine that powers Apple Safari browsers across multiple versions including Safari 6.2.3 and earlier, Safari 7.x versions prior to 7.1.4, and Safari 8.x versions before 8.0.4. The flaw represents a critical memory corruption issue that enables remote code execution through maliciously crafted web content, making it particularly dangerous for web-based attack scenarios.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within WebKit's JavaScript engine, specifically in how it handles certain data structures during web page rendering. When a user visits a malicious website containing specially crafted JavaScript or HTML content, the browser's memory corruption occurs during the processing of specific object types or memory allocations. This memory corruption can be exploited to overwrite critical memory locations, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the browser process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to include potential denial of service conditions that can crash the Safari application entirely. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to user systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise through subsequent exploitation techniques. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple Safari versions indicates a fundamental flaw in the WebKit engine's memory handling mechanisms that required multiple patch releases to address properly.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-119 Improper Restriction of Operations within a Memory Buffer, which encompasses memory corruption issues that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The attack vector follows typical patterns described in the ATT&CK framework under T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries exploit software vulnerabilities to execute malicious code on target systems. The remote nature of the attack means users can be compromised simply by visiting a malicious website, making this a particularly insidious threat.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected Safari versions to the latest secure releases, as well as implementing network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions. Browser security enhancements including sandboxing, memory protection mechanisms, and strict content validation should be enabled. Organizations should also consider implementing browser hardening measures and regular security assessments to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date browser software and demonstrates how memory corruption flaws in core rendering engines can create widespread security risks across multiple operating system versions.