CVE-2015-7100 in Safari
Summary
by MITRE
WebKit in Apple iOS before 9.2, Safari before 9.0.2, and tvOS 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 CVE-2015-7048, CVE-2015-7095, CVE-2015-7096, CVE-2015-7097, CVE-2015-7098, CVE-2015-7099, CVE-2015-7101, CVE-2015-7102, and CVE-2015-7103.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2022
This vulnerability resides within the WebKit rendering engine that powers Apple's Safari browser and iOS web applications, representing a critical memory corruption flaw that enables remote code execution. The vulnerability affects iOS versions prior to 9.2, Safari versions before 9.0.2, and tvOS versions before 9.1, creating a widespread attack surface across Apple's ecosystem. The flaw manifests when processing specifically crafted web content that triggers memory corruption conditions within WebKit's JavaScript engine or related components. This vulnerability operates through a sophisticated attack vector that leverages memory corruption techniques to manipulate program execution flow, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper memory management during web page rendering processes, particularly when handling complex JavaScript objects or DOM manipulations. Attackers can construct malicious web pages that, when loaded in affected browsers, trigger buffer overflows, use-after-free conditions, or other memory corruption patterns within WebKit's memory management subsystem. The flaw specifically targets the interaction between JavaScript execution contexts and native memory allocation routines, creating opportunities for attackers to overwrite critical memory locations or manipulate pointers to redirect program execution. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds writes, both of which are common precursors to remote code execution in browser environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes to potentially enable full system compromise. When successfully exploited, attackers can execute arbitrary code on affected devices, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or persistent backdoor installation. The vulnerability's remote nature means attackers can deliver malicious payloads through standard web browsing channels without requiring physical access or user interaction beyond visiting a compromised website. This characteristic makes it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where users may inadvertently visit malicious sites or where attackers can leverage social engineering to direct users to exploit pages. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation for execution through web-based attacks, and T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected systems, as Apple released security updates addressing this specific memory corruption issue in their respective software versions. Organizations should implement web filtering solutions to block access to known malicious domains and deploy network monitoring tools to detect exploitation attempts. Browser hardening measures including sandboxing, content security policies, and strict memory protection mechanisms should be enabled to reduce the attack surface. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping software updated. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining current security patches, as unpatched systems remain vulnerable to exploitation by threat actors who actively seek out such flaws in widely used software components. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and implement proper incident response procedures to address potential exploitation attempts.