CVE-2015-7101 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-2015-7100, CVE-2015-7102, and CVE-2015-7103.
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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 issue 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 vulnerability manifests when users visit maliciously crafted websites that exploit memory corruption mechanisms within WebKit's handling of web content, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-119 category of "Improper Access to Memory Location" and represents a classic heap-based buffer overflow scenario where attacker-controlled input corrupts memory structures.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves crafting web content that triggers specific memory corruption patterns within WebKit's JavaScript engine or rendering components. Attackers can leverage this flaw to manipulate memory pointers, overwrite critical data structures, or inject malicious code into the browser process. The memory corruption occurs during normal web page rendering or JavaScript execution, making the attack vector particularly insidious as it requires no user interaction beyond visiting a compromised website. This vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK framework's T1059.007 technique for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript" combined with T1068 for "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" when the browser process executes malicious code.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to enterprise and individual users alike, as it enables sophisticated attacks that can lead to complete system compromise. The memory corruption can result in either arbitrary code execution or denial of service conditions, with the former being particularly dangerous as it allows attackers to establish persistent access to affected systems. Organizations running affected Apple software versions face potential data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and possible lateral movement within their networks. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require special privileges or complex attack chains, making it accessible to threat actors with moderate technical skills. Security professionals must consider this vulnerability as part of broader threat landscape assessments, particularly in environments where users may inadvertently visit malicious websites or where web-based attacks are a primary concern.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate software updates to the latest versions of iOS, Safari, and tvOS where patches are available. Organizations should implement network-based protections such as web filtering solutions that can block known malicious domains and content. Browser hardening measures including sandboxing, content security policies, and strict MIME type checking can provide additional defense layers. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual browser behavior, memory access patterns, and potential exploitation attempts. Users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping software updated. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs that can quickly identify and remediate similar issues across all platform components.