CVE-2015-3741 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-2015-3741 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within WebKit engine components that power Apple's iOS and Safari browser implementations. This vulnerability affects multiple versions of Apple's mobile operating system and web browser, specifically targeting iOS versions before 8.4.1 and various Safari releases including versions prior to 6.2.8, 7.1.8, and 8.0.8. The flaw enables remote attackers to exploit crafted web content that can result in arbitrary code execution or deliberate application crashes, making it a significant concern for mobile device security. The vulnerability operates through sophisticated memory corruption techniques that differ from other WebKit vulnerabilities documented in the referenced Apple security advisories, indicating a distinct exploitation vector that requires specific defensive measures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within WebKit's rendering engine, where crafted web content can trigger buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions in memory structures. Attackers can construct malicious web pages that, when loaded in affected browsers, cause the application to corrupt memory regions and potentially execute unauthorized code with the privileges of the affected application. The memory corruption occurs during web page rendering processes, particularly when handling complex web content that triggers specific code paths within the WebKit engine. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations, both of which are common in memory corruption exploits targeting web browsers.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-3741 extends beyond simple application crashes to potentially enable full system compromise through remote code execution. Mobile devices running affected versions become vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks where malicious websites can deliver payloads that exploit this vulnerability without user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in mobile environments where users frequently browse untrusted content. The vulnerability's presence in multiple browser versions and operating system releases creates a broad attack surface that security professionals must address through comprehensive patch management. Organizations and users face risks of data theft, privacy violations, and potential device control loss, as the exploitation can occur through simple web navigation without requiring additional user actions or device modifications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-3741 require immediate patch deployment across all affected Apple iOS versions and Safari browser releases, with particular emphasis on upgrading to the patched versions mentioned in Apple's security advisories. System administrators should implement network-based protections including web content filtering and sandboxing measures that limit the impact of potential exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should focus on detecting anomalous browser behavior, unexpected memory usage patterns, and network traffic indicative of exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing layered security approaches that include network segmentation, application whitelisting, and regular security assessments. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving exploitation of known vulnerabilities and privilege escalation, with potential lateral movement capabilities once initial compromise occurs. Organizations should also consider implementing browser hardening configurations and user education programs to reduce the risk of successful exploitation through social engineering or phishing attacks that deliver malicious web content.