CVE-2015-3739 in iTunes
Summary
by MITRE
WebKit, as used in Apple iOS before 8.4.1 and Safari before 6.2.8, 7.x before 7.1.8, and 8.x before 8.0.8, 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 WebKit CVEs listed in APPLE-SA-2015-08-13-1 and APPLE-SA-2015-08-13-3.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/17/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-3739 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within WebKit engine components that power Apple's mobile and desktop browsers. This vulnerability affects multiple versions of iOS and Safari, specifically targeting systems running iOS versions before 8.4.1 and various Safari versions including 6.2.8, 7.1.8, and 8.0.8. The flaw manifests through crafted web content that can be delivered via malicious websites, creating a significant attack surface for remote code execution and system compromise. The vulnerability operates outside the scope of other WebKit-related CVEs referenced in Apple security advisories from August 2015, indicating it represents a distinct and separate memory corruption issue within the rendering engine's handling of web content.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within WebKit's JavaScript engine and rendering components. When processing specially crafted web pages, the engine fails to properly validate memory allocations and deallocations, leading to buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions that can be exploited by attackers to gain control over the browser process. The memory corruption occurs during the parsing and execution of web content, particularly affecting how the browser handles complex JavaScript operations and DOM manipulation. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-122, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and is classified as a memory safety issue that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The flaw demonstrates a classic example of how improper input validation in web rendering engines can create opportunities for sophisticated attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-3739 extends beyond simple application crashes to encompass full system compromise potential. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on affected systems, potentially gaining unauthorized access to user data, installing malware, or performing further attacks through the compromised browser environment. The vulnerability's ability to cause denial of service through application crashes also presents significant operational risks for enterprise environments where browser stability is critical. Mobile users face particular risk as the vulnerability affects iOS devices that were widely deployed in corporate and consumer environments, creating a broad attack surface that could be exploited through phishing campaigns, malicious advertisements, or compromised websites. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes exploitation of web browsers for code execution, and represents a common attack vector in mobile security threats.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-3739 require immediate patch deployment across all affected systems, with particular emphasis on iOS devices and Safari browser versions. Apple's security updates addressed the vulnerability through memory validation improvements and enhanced input sanitization within the WebKit engine. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive updates promptly, while also considering network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions. Security monitoring should focus on detecting attempts to exploit this vulnerability through suspicious web traffic patterns or browser behavior anomalies. The remediation process should include verification that all affected browser components have been properly updated, with particular attention to ensuring that both system-level and application-level updates are applied correctly. Regular security assessments should be conducted to verify that the vulnerability has been fully addressed and that no residual risks remain in the affected environments.