CVE-2015-7012 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-2015-7012 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within WebKit engine components that power Apple's iOS Safari browser and iTunes application. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory allocation and deallocation processes when processing maliciously crafted web content, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to gain unauthorized code execution capabilities. The flaw specifically affects versions of Apple iOS prior to 9.1, Safari browser versions before 9.0.1, and iTunes versions before 12.3.1, indicating a widespread impact across Apple's ecosystem of products that rely on WebKit for web rendering and content processing. The vulnerability operates through a sophisticated attack vector that leverages memory corruption techniques to manipulate the application's execution flow, potentially enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems or cause application crashes that result in denial of service conditions.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability manifests as a heap-based memory corruption issue that occurs during the processing of malformed web content within the WebKit rendering engine. The flaw typically involves improper bounds checking or use-after-free conditions when handling specific JavaScript objects or DOM elements, allowing attackers to manipulate memory layout and overwrite critical application structures. The memory corruption can be triggered through carefully constructed web pages that exploit the underlying WebKit engine's handling of complex JavaScript operations, particularly those involving object allocation, deallocation, and memory reuse patterns. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 weakness category, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with advanced persistent threat exploitation patterns where attackers can leverage such flaws to establish persistent access to target systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-7012 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass full system compromise capabilities that align with the tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for command and script interpreter execution. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code remotely without requiring any user interaction beyond visiting a compromised website, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments and individual users alike. The vulnerability's exploitation potential means that compromised systems could be used for data exfiltration, credential theft, or as a foothold for further network penetration activities. Organizations running affected Apple products face significant risk exposure as the vulnerability can be exploited through standard web browsing activities, making traditional network-based security controls insufficient to prevent exploitation. The memory corruption nature of the vulnerability also makes it particularly challenging to detect through conventional security monitoring approaches, as the exploitation may not generate obvious network traffic patterns or system anomalies.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-7012 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment and system updates to address the underlying WebKit memory corruption issue. Apple's recommended solution involves upgrading to iOS 9.1, Safari 9.0.1, or iTunes 12.3.1, which contain the necessary code fixes to prevent the memory corruption conditions that enable exploitation. Security administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected Apple products receive timely updates, particularly in enterprise environments where multiple devices may be exposed to the vulnerability. Additional defensive measures include implementing web content filtering solutions, disabling JavaScript execution in untrusted web environments, and deploying network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing browser sandboxing techniques and privilege separation mechanisms to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining current security patches and implementing layered security approaches to protect against sophisticated remote code execution vulnerabilities that can compromise entire operating environments.