CVE-2015-5801 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-2015-5801 represents a critical memory corruption vulnerability within WebKit's JavaScript engine that affected Apple iOS versions prior to 9.0 and iTunes versions prior to 12.3. This vulnerability resides in the JavaScriptCore component of WebKit and demonstrates a classic use-after-free condition that can be exploited to achieve remote code execution. The flaw occurs when processing malformed web content that triggers improper memory management during JavaScript object lifecycle handling, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate heap memory and inject malicious code.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages memory corruption patterns that are classified under CWE-476, specifically null pointer dereference conditions that can be manipulated through crafted web content. Attackers can construct malicious web pages containing specially crafted JavaScript code that, when rendered by the vulnerable WebKit engine, triggers the memory corruption. This memory corruption manifests as heap spraying techniques or pointer manipulation that allows execution of arbitrary code within the context of the affected application. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the browser engine level, providing attackers with elevated privileges to compromise the entire iOS environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-5801 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript execution and T1070.004 for indicator removal, as successful exploitation can lead to persistent backdoor installation and system-wide surveillance capabilities. When exploited in the wild, this vulnerability has been observed in targeted attacks against high-value mobile devices, where the combination of iOS sandbox restrictions and the memory corruption exploit creates a sophisticated attack surface that can bypass standard mobile security controls. The vulnerability's presence in both iOS and iTunes applications creates a unified attack vector across Apple's ecosystem, making it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking broad impact.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-5801 require immediate patch deployment as the primary defense mechanism, with Apple releasing iOS 9.0 and iTunes 12.3 to address the underlying memory corruption. Organizations should implement web content filtering solutions to prevent access to known malicious domains and establish network monitoring to detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and memory management validation, particularly for JavaScript engines that handle untrusted content. Security teams should also consider implementing sandboxing controls and regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar memory corruption patterns that may exist in other browser components or mobile applications. Additionally, user education regarding safe browsing practices and the avoidance of untrusted websites remains critical in reducing exploitation success rates, particularly when considering the zero-day nature of such vulnerabilities.