CVE-2015-5789 in iTunes
Summary
by MITRE
WebKit, as used in Apple iOS before 9 and iTunes before 12.3, 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-2015-09-16-1 and APPLE-SA-2015-09-16-3.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/18/2022
CVE-2015-5789 represents a critical memory corruption vulnerability within WebKit's JavaScript engine that affected Apple's mobile and desktop operating systems. This vulnerability resides in the way WebKit processes certain JavaScript code constructs, specifically within the JavaScriptCore engine that powers web content rendering in Safari and iTunes applications. The flaw manifests when malicious web content triggers improper memory handling during JavaScript execution, leading to potential arbitrary code execution or system crashes.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking and memory management within WebKit's JavaScript interpreter. When processing crafted web pages containing malicious JavaScript code, the engine fails to properly validate memory access patterns, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate heap memory structures. This memory corruption occurs during the execution of JavaScript operations that involve array manipulation, object creation, or complex data type handling, where the interpreter does not adequately verify memory boundaries before performing operations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to users of affected Apple products, particularly iOS versions prior to 9 and iTunes versions before 12.3. Attackers can leverage this flaw by hosting malicious websites that automatically exploit the vulnerability when users visit them, requiring no user interaction beyond normal browsing. The remote exploitation capability makes this particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or malicious advertising networks. Successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application, typically resulting in unauthorized access to user data or system resources.
The 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 manifestations of memory corruption flaws. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript execution and T1068 for local privilege escalation, as attackers could potentially leverage the initial compromise to gain broader system access. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise to include potential data theft, unauthorized surveillance, and further lateral movement within networks where compromised devices exist. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems, implement network-based protections such as web filters, and conduct security awareness training to mitigate risks associated with visiting untrusted web content.