CVE-2015-5811 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 • 11/22/2024
CVE-2015-5811 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 browser engine that powers Safari and other web-based applications on Apple devices, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through malicious websites without requiring user interaction beyond visiting the compromised page. The flaw manifests as a heap-based buffer overflow or memory corruption issue that occurs during web page rendering or JavaScript execution, allowing remote attackers to gain arbitrary code execution privileges on affected systems.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations. These weaknesses enable attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially overwrite critical program structures or execute malicious code within the application's memory space. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of web rendering and memory management, where improper bounds checking during HTML or JavaScript processing leads to memory corruption that can be leveraged for privilege escalation. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that, when loaded in Safari or iTunes, trigger the memory corruption through specific sequences of web content manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes, as it provides remote code execution capabilities that can be exploited for complete system compromise. An attacker could potentially install malware, access sensitive user data, or establish persistent backdoors on affected devices. The vulnerability affects not only end-user devices but also corporate environments where iOS devices are used for business operations, creating potential data breach risks. The fact that this vulnerability operates through web browsing activities means that users could be compromised simply by visiting malicious websites, making it particularly dangerous for mobile environments where users frequently access untrusted content.
The exploitation of CVE-2015-5811 maps to several techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to initial access and execution phases. The vulnerability enables techniques such as web-based exploitation and privilege escalation, with attackers leveraging the memory corruption to bypass security controls and gain elevated privileges. Organizations should implement immediate patch management strategies to address this vulnerability, as the window for exploitation was significant given the widespread use of affected iOS versions. Security teams should also deploy network monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts and ensure that all iOS devices are updated to version 9.0 or later, while iTunes installations should be upgraded to version 12.3 or higher to mitigate the risk of remote code execution through web-based attacks.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of browser engine security in mobile ecosystems, where the convergence of web technologies and operating system functionality creates complex attack surfaces. The memory corruption issue represents a fundamental flaw in how WebKit handles certain web content, highlighting the need for comprehensive security testing of core components. Organizations should maintain awareness of related vulnerabilities in the same advisory releases, as the Apple security advisories APPLE-SA-2015-09-16-1 and APPLE-SA-2015-09-16-3 likely contain additional related weaknesses that could compound the risk. The vulnerability serves as a reminder that even minor security flaws in core components can provide attackers with powerful capabilities for system compromise, emphasizing the importance of proactive security measures and timely patch deployment.