CVE-2015-5799 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-2015-5799 represents a critical memory corruption vulnerability within WebKit engine that affected Apple iOS versions prior to 9.0 and iTunes versions before 12.3. This vulnerability resides in the browser rendering engine that powers Safari and other web-based applications on Apple devices, making it a significant threat to mobile and desktop users. The flaw enables remote code execution through maliciously crafted websites, allowing attackers to bypass security controls and potentially gain unauthorized access to affected systems. The vulnerability operates by exploiting improper memory handling mechanisms within WebKit's JavaScript engine, specifically targeting memory allocation and deallocation processes that govern how web content is rendered and executed.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves crafting web content that triggers specific memory corruption patterns within WebKit's memory management subsystem. Attackers can leverage this flaw by hosting malicious web pages that contain specially constructed JavaScript or HTML elements designed to manipulate memory pointers and corrupt heap structures. When the vulnerable WebKit engine processes these malicious inputs, it creates conditions that allow arbitrary code execution or system crashes. This type of vulnerability typically falls under CWE-122, which describes buffer overflow conditions, and specifically relates to improper memory handling that can lead to privilege escalation. The memory corruption occurs during the parsing and execution of web content, making it particularly dangerous as users can be compromised simply by visiting malicious websites.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to Apple device users who may encounter malicious websites while browsing the internet. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not need physical access to devices or complex social engineering tactics to compromise systems. Users are vulnerable even when simply browsing legitimate websites that have been compromised or when visiting sites that host malicious advertisements. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond individual devices to potential enterprise security risks, as compromised devices can serve as entry points for broader network attacks. Organizations relying on Apple devices for business operations face significant exposure since the vulnerability affects widely used applications like Safari and iTunes, which are essential for both personal and professional use. The flaw demonstrates how browser-based vulnerabilities can create persistent attack vectors that remain active until patched, making them particularly attractive to threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-5799 primarily involve immediate system updates to the patched versions of iOS and iTunes. Apple released security updates addressing this vulnerability in iOS 9.0 and iTunes 12.3, which included memory management improvements and enhanced input validation mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management policies that ensure all Apple devices receive security updates promptly. Network administrators can deploy web filtering solutions and browser security extensions to reduce exposure to malicious websites, though these measures provide only partial protection. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing layered defense strategies. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual network traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, while user education programs should emphasize the risks of visiting untrusted websites. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers Exploitation for Client Execution, and demonstrates the critical need for timely vulnerability remediation in mobile environments where users may not regularly update their systems.