CVE-2015-1070 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 browser 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 attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems or induce denial of service conditions through maliciously crafted web content. The vulnerability specifically affects the browser's handling of web content and demonstrates the inherent risks present in complex web rendering engines that must process untrusted input from remote servers. This issue is distinct from other vulnerabilities addressed in APPLE-SA-2015-03-17-1, indicating a separate code path or implementation flaw within the WebKit component.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves memory corruption that occurs when WebKit processes specially crafted web content. Attackers can leverage this flaw by hosting malicious websites that trigger the vulnerable code path within the browser engine. The memory corruption typically manifests through improper handling of memory allocations, buffer overflows, or use-after-free conditions that can be exploited to overwrite critical memory locations. These types of vulnerabilities fall under the CWE-125 weakness category, which encompasses out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions. The exploitation process often requires precise control over memory layout and can involve techniques such as return-oriented programming or heap spraying to achieve reliable code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to include potential system compromise and denial of service scenarios. When exploited successfully, attackers can gain full control over the affected Safari browser instance, potentially leading to complete system compromise if the user has elevated privileges. The vulnerability affects all operating systems running the affected Safari versions including macOS and iOS platforms, making it particularly dangerous given the widespread use of Apple products. The denial of service aspect can be leveraged for persistent attacks where users repeatedly encounter browser crashes, effectively rendering the browser unusable and creating a persistent disruption to user productivity. This vulnerability aligns with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059 technique for command and scripting interpreter and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate patching of affected Safari versions to the patched releases mentioned in the advisory. Users should ensure their systems are updated to Safari 6.2.4, 7.1.4, or 8.0.4 respectively, depending on their current version. Organizations should implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems to block access to known malicious domains. Browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary plugins, implementing sandboxing, and using security extensions can reduce the attack surface. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual browser behavior or memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date browser software and implementing layered security approaches to protect against zero-day exploits in complex software ecosystems.