CVE-2015-1074 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 attacks. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory allocation and deallocation during web page rendering processes, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory structures and execute arbitrary code on affected systems.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations. These memory corruption flaws typically occur when the WebKit engine fails to properly validate input data or manage memory pointers during JavaScript execution or DOM manipulation. Attackers can craft specific web pages containing malicious JavaScript or HTML elements that trigger buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions within the browser's memory management subsystem. The vulnerability's exploitation pathway involves delivering malicious content through web browsers, where the crafted payload leverages memory corruption to gain control over the execution flow and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the browser process.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability affects millions of Safari users across various operating systems including macOS and iOS platforms. The remote exploitation capability means that users do not need to download or install anything malicious, as simply visiting a compromised website can result in system compromise. The vulnerability's classification as a memory corruption issue makes it particularly dangerous because it can lead to both arbitrary code execution and denial of service conditions, potentially allowing attackers to install malware, steal user data, or completely compromise the affected systems. The attack surface is broad since the vulnerability exists in widely used browser versions, making it an attractive target for cybercriminals and nation-state actors.
The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it particularly effective for drive-by download attacks. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability in phishing campaigns, malicious advertising networks, or compromised websites to deliver payloads that exploit the memory corruption. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential privilege escalation, as successful exploitation can allow attackers to gain elevated system privileges. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise environments where Safari browsers are widely used for web browsing activities.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability primarily involve immediate patching of affected Safari versions through official Apple updates. Organizations should implement comprehensive browser update policies and consider deploying web application firewalls or content filtering solutions to block access to known malicious domains. The vulnerability's characteristics make it suitable for exploitation through various attack vectors including social engineering, compromised websites, and malicious advertisements. System administrators should monitor for exploitation attempts and implement network-based detection measures to identify potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific memory corruption vulnerability. Additionally, browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary JavaScript features and implementing sandboxing mechanisms can help reduce the overall risk exposure. The vulnerability's nature aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation for privilege escalation, and T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, making comprehensive defensive measures essential for protecting against this specific threat vector.