CVE-2015-3740 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-2015-3740 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within WebKit's JavaScript engine implementation that affected multiple Apple operating systems and browsers. This vulnerability specifically targets the way WebKit processes certain JavaScript constructs, creating conditions where maliciously crafted web content can trigger unpredictable memory behavior. The flaw exists in the JavaScriptCore engine component that handles JavaScript execution, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through standard web browsing activities without requiring any special user interaction beyond visiting a compromised website.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management during JavaScript object handling, particularly when processing complex nested structures or specific combinations of object properties and methods. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that, when rendered by affected browsers, cause the JavaScript engine to corrupt memory structures through buffer overflows, use-after-free conditions, or other memory manipulation techniques. These memory corruption issues can result in arbitrary code execution when the corrupted memory is subsequently accessed or when the application attempts to recover from the corrupted state. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of multiple attack vectors and can be leveraged through various JavaScript APIs and object manipulation patterns that were not properly validated or sanitized.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-3740 extends beyond simple application crashes, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on affected systems with the privileges of the browser process. This represents a significant escalation from typical denial of service conditions, as it enables full system compromise through web-based attacks. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Apple products including iOS devices, macOS Safari browsers, and various web applications that rely on WebKit rendering engine. The exploitation requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous for targeted attacks. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions, both of which are common memory corruption patterns. The attack surface is extensive given WebKit's widespread adoption across Apple's ecosystem.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability required immediate patching of affected systems through official software updates provided by Apple. Organizations should have implemented network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems to prevent access to known malicious domains. Browser hardening techniques including disabling unnecessary JavaScript features, implementing sandboxing mechanisms, and using security-focused browser configurations could have reduced the attack surface. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would place it in the execution and privilege escalation categories, specifically targeting the use of web-based exploits to gain unauthorized system access. Security monitoring should have included detection of unusual JavaScript behavior patterns and memory access anomalies that could indicate exploitation attempts. System administrators needed to prioritize patch management and ensure all affected Apple devices received the security updates released in iOS 8.4.1 and Safari versions 6.2.8, 7.1.8, and 8.0.8. The vulnerability highlighted the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing layered security approaches to protect against sophisticated web-based attacks.