CVE-2015-5796 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-2015-5796 represents a critical memory corruption vulnerability within WebKit engine that affected Apple iOS versions prior to 9.0 and iTunes versions prior to 12.3. This vulnerability resides in the web rendering engine that powers Safari and other web-based applications on Apple devices, making it a prime target for remote code execution attacks. The flaw manifests when malicious web content is loaded through a crafted website, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or denial of service conditions that can crash applications and compromise system stability.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within WebKit's JavaScript engine and rendering components. Attackers can exploit this weakness by constructing malicious web pages that trigger memory corruption during page rendering or script execution. The vulnerability operates through a sophisticated attack vector that leverages memory corruption techniques to overwrite critical program memory locations, potentially allowing attackers to inject and execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected application. This type of vulnerability typically falls under CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions, both of which are common in memory corruption exploits.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-5796 extends beyond simple application crashes, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited remotely without user interaction. Once a malicious website is visited, the vulnerability can be triggered automatically, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or compromised websites. The affected systems are vulnerable regardless of user awareness or security practices, as the exploitation occurs at the browser engine level. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1203, which covers Exploitation for Client Execution, and T1059, which covers Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers can leverage the compromised browser to execute arbitrary commands on affected devices.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including updating to iOS 9.0 or later versions and iTunes 12.3 or later, which contain patches addressing this memory corruption flaw. Organizations should also deploy web filtering solutions and browser security extensions that can detect and block malicious content. Network-based protections such as intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for traffic patterns associated with known exploit signatures. Additionally, regular security assessments should verify that all Apple devices within the organization are properly updated and that no legacy systems remain vulnerable to this and similar WebKit-based exploits. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date browser engines and highlights the critical need for timely patch management in mobile and desktop environments.