CVE-2015-7005 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
WebKit, as used in Apple iOS before 9.1, 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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/24/2022
CVE-2015-7005 represents a critical memory corruption vulnerability within WebKit's JavaScript engine that affected Apple iOS versions prior to 9.1. This flaw resides in the rendering and execution components of the web browser engine that processes JavaScript code, making it a prime target for remote code execution attacks. The vulnerability manifests when WebKit encounters maliciously crafted web content that triggers improper memory handling during JavaScript interpretation, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a heap-based buffer overflow or use-after-free condition within WebKit's JavaScriptCore engine, which is responsible for executing JavaScript code in web pages. Attackers can craft malicious websites containing specially designed JavaScript code that, when executed by the vulnerable iOS browser, causes memory corruption. This memory corruption can be exploited to overwrite critical memory locations, potentially allowing attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web browser process. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the browser engine level, meaning successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-7005 extends beyond simple application crashes, as it provides attackers with persistent remote code execution capabilities. When exploited, this vulnerability can enable man-in-the-middle attacks, data theft, and persistent backdoor installation on affected iOS devices. The memory corruption behavior creates a denial of service condition that can be leveraged to establish a foothold for more sophisticated attacks, making it a valuable target for threat actors seeking to compromise iOS users. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-119 Improper Access to Memory Location and CWE-125 Out-of-bounds Read, both of which are common entry points for privilege escalation attacks in web browser environments.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of browser engine security and the potential for remote code execution through seemingly benign web content. The attack vector requires only a user visiting a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns and targeted attacks. Security researchers have noted that similar vulnerabilities in WebKit have been mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, highlighting how browser-based exploits can leverage legitimate scripting capabilities for malicious purposes. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the widespread use of iOS devices and the fact that iOS browsers often have elevated privileges compared to standard applications, making successful exploitation particularly damaging.
Organizations and users affected by CVE-2015-7005 should immediately update to iOS 9.1 or later versions where Apple has provided patches addressing the memory corruption issues. The mitigation strategy should include comprehensive browser security updates, network monitoring for suspicious web traffic, and user education about avoiding untrusted websites. Security professionals should also consider implementing web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to prevent access to known malicious domains. The vulnerability's resolution through Apple's security update process demonstrates the importance of timely patch management and the need for organizations to maintain current security practices to protect against similar browser engine vulnerabilities that may emerge in other components of the iOS ecosystem.