CVE-2015-1069 in MacOS X
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 • 09/22/2022
This vulnerability resides within the WebKit rendering engine that powers Apple Safari browser implementations 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 memory corruption issue that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or induce denial of service conditions through maliciously crafted web content. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory allocation and deallocation within the browser's rendering engine, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory structures and gain unauthorized execution privileges. This issue specifically affects the browser's ability to process web content safely, particularly when handling complex web page elements that trigger memory management functions within WebKit's architecture.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully constructed web pages that leverage memory corruption flaws in WebKit's memory management subsystem. Attackers can craft web content that forces the browser to allocate memory in unexpected ways, leading to buffer overflows, use-after-free conditions, or other memory corruption scenarios. These conditions can be triggered during normal web browsing activities such as loading pages with complex JavaScript, CSS, or HTML elements that interact with the browser's memory allocation routines. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential application crashes and system instability, making it a serious threat to user security and system integrity. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-122, which describes improper restriction of operations within a memory buffer, and represents a classic example of memory safety issues in browser engines that have been extensively documented in security research literature.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for users of affected Safari versions, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited through routine web browsing activities. Remote attackers can deliver malicious payloads through compromised websites or phishing attempts without requiring user interaction beyond visiting the malicious site. The vulnerability's potential for arbitrary code execution means that attackers could gain full control over affected systems, potentially leading to data theft, system compromise, or further network infiltration. Additionally, the denial of service component can be used to disrupt user activities by causing browser crashes or system instability, which may be exploited for more sophisticated attacks or to create distractions during other malicious activities. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of keeping browser software updated, as the issue was addressed in subsequent security releases that patched the memory management flaws in WebKit.
Organizations and users should prioritize immediate remediation by updating to the patched versions of Safari that address this vulnerability, specifically Safari 6.2.4, 7.1.4, and 8.0.4 respectively. Security teams should implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and consider deploying browser security extensions that provide additional protection layers. The vulnerability highlights the ongoing need for robust memory safety practices in browser development and emphasizes the importance of following security best practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks. Regular security assessments of browser configurations and user education about safe browsing practices remain essential components of defense strategies against such sophisticated threats. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical nature of browser security and the potential for remote code execution vulnerabilities to create widespread impact across user populations.