CVE-2015-7002 in Safari
Summary
by MITRE
WebKit, as used in Apple iOS before 9.1, Safari before 9.0.1, and iTunes before 12.3.1, 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-2015-10-21-1, APPLE-SA-2015-10-21-3, and APPLE-SA-2015-10-21-5.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/24/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7002 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within WebKit engine components that power Apple's mobile and desktop browsers. This vulnerability affects multiple Apple products including iOS versions prior to 9.1, Safari browser versions before 9.0.1, and iTunes versions before 12.3.1, demonstrating the widespread impact of WebKit-based vulnerabilities across Apple's ecosystem. The flaw specifically manifests through crafted web content that can trigger arbitrary code execution or cause application crashes, making it a significant threat to user security and system stability.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory handling within WebKit's rendering engine, where malicious web content can manipulate memory structures in ways that lead to unpredictable behavior. This type of memory corruption vulnerability typically occurs when the browser fails to properly validate or sanitize input data from web pages, allowing attackers to craft specifically designed web pages that exploit buffer overflows, use-after-free conditions, or other memory management flaws. The vulnerability operates at the browser engine level, meaning it can be triggered simply by visiting a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous for end users who may not be aware of the threat.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risk for affected systems as it enables remote code execution capabilities that could allow attackers to gain full control over affected devices. The potential for denial of service attacks combined with arbitrary code execution means that attackers could not only crash applications but also install malware, steal sensitive data, or use compromised devices for further attacks. The vulnerability's classification under the broader WebKit attack surface aligns with common patterns seen in browser-based exploits, where memory corruption issues are frequently exploited through techniques such as heap spraying or return-oriented programming to achieve code execution.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond individual user devices to potentially compromise entire enterprise networks, particularly in environments where Apple devices are prevalent. Organizations using Apple products for business operations face significant risk as attackers could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access points within their networks. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in their threat modeling exercises and recognize it as part of the broader category of browser-based attacks that target the most frequently used software components in computing environments. This vulnerability's exploitation requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it particularly effective for mass deployment attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-7002 primarily focus on prompt patch deployment and system updates across all affected Apple products. Organizations should prioritize updating iOS devices to version 9.1 or later, Safari browsers to version 9.0.1 or later, and iTunes to version 12.3.1 or later. Additionally, implementing network-based security controls such as web content filtering and intrusion prevention systems can provide additional layers of protection while patches are being deployed. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious web traffic patterns and potential exploitation attempts, with particular attention to known malicious domains or file types associated with similar WebKit vulnerabilities. The remediation process should also include user education to avoid visiting untrusted websites and to maintain awareness of social engineering tactics that might be used to deliver malicious content. This vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and demonstrates the critical need for organizations to have robust update management processes in place to address browser-based security threats effectively.