CVE-2015-5805 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-2015-5805 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 way WebKit processes certain JavaScript objects and memory allocations, creating a condition where remote attackers can manipulate memory structures through specially crafted web content. The flaw manifests when the JavaScript engine fails to properly validate object references during memory operations, leading to potential memory corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code or trigger application crashes. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of memory management and JavaScript interpretation, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through standard web browsing activities without any user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages heap-based memory corruption techniques that are commonly categorized under CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that utilize JavaScript constructs to manipulate object pointers and memory layouts in ways that bypass normal memory safety checks. When a user visits such a crafted website, the WebKit JavaScript engine processes the malicious code and triggers a memory corruption event that can be leveraged to either execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application or cause a denial of service through application crashes. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the browser's core JavaScript engine, making it difficult to detect and prevent through traditional security measures.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-5805 extends beyond simple application instability to potentially enable full system compromise. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability allows remote code execution which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript and VBScript. The affected platforms include iOS devices and iTunes installations, which are commonly used for both personal and enterprise purposes, making the potential attack surface extensive. The vulnerability affects the core browser functionality and can be triggered through standard web browsing without requiring any special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious site. This makes it particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios where adversaries can leverage the vulnerability through phishing campaigns or compromised websites to gain unauthorized access to affected systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-5805 primarily focus on immediate patching and system updates as recommended by Apple's security advisories. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected iOS devices to version 9.0 or later and iTunes installations to version 12.3 or later to eliminate the vulnerability. Additionally, network security controls such as web filtering and content inspection can provide temporary protection by blocking access to known malicious domains, though these measures are not comprehensive given the nature of the vulnerability. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual JavaScript execution patterns and memory access anomalies that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of keeping browser engines updated and demonstrates how memory corruption flaws in core components can lead to severe security implications, emphasizing the need for robust memory safety mechanisms and regular security assessments of web browser implementations.