CVE-2015-5790 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.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/18/2022
CVE-2015-5790 represents a critical memory corruption vulnerability within WebKit's JavaScript engine that affected Apple's iOS versions prior to 9.0 and iTunes versions before 12.3. This vulnerability resides in the way WebKit processes certain JavaScript constructs, specifically targeting the garbage collection and memory management mechanisms that are fundamental to the browser engine's operation. The flaw manifests when malicious web content triggers an improper memory deallocation sequence, leading to heap corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code or cause application crashes.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages improper handling of JavaScript object references and memory allocation patterns within WebKit's rendering engine. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that, when loaded in Safari or iTunes' web browser component, cause the JavaScript engine to corrupt memory structures through improper reference counting or dangling pointer scenarios. This memory corruption typically occurs during the execution of complex JavaScript operations involving object creation, deletion, and garbage collection cycles. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 weakness category for out-of-bounds read conditions and CWE-787 for out-of-bounds write conditions, making it particularly dangerous for remote code execution scenarios.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to iOS users and enterprise environments as it enables remote code execution without user interaction, making it a prime target for zero-day exploits. The impact extends beyond individual users to enterprise networks where iOS devices are prevalent, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to corporate data through seemingly benign web browsing activities. The vulnerability's exploitation potential aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, where attackers use web-based attacks to execute malicious code on target systems. Organizations using affected versions of iOS or iTunes face potential data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and complete system compromise when this vulnerability is exploited.
The remediation strategy for CVE-2015-5790 requires immediate deployment of Apple's security patches, specifically iOS 9.0 and iTunes 12.3 updates that address the memory corruption issues in WebKit's JavaScript engine. Organizations should implement network-based protections such as web content filtering and sandboxing mechanisms to limit exposure while patches are deployed. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability, including unusual memory access patterns and application crashes. Additionally, user education regarding safe browsing practices and the importance of timely software updates remains crucial in mitigating the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date browser engines and operating systems to prevent exploitation of memory corruption flaws that can lead to complete system compromise.