CVE-2016-1723 in Safari
Summary
by MITRE
WebKit, as used in Apple iOS before 9.2.1 and Safari before 9.0.3, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted web site, a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-1725 and CVE-2016-1726.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2022
This vulnerability resides within WebKit's JavaScriptCore engine, specifically affecting Apple's mobile and desktop operating systems. The flaw represents a memory corruption issue that manifests when processing maliciously crafted web content, enabling remote code execution or denial of service conditions. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of certain JavaScript objects during memory allocation and deallocation processes, creating exploitable conditions that attackers can leverage through web-based attacks. The affected versions include iOS versions prior to 9.2.1 and Safari versions prior to 9.0.3, indicating a widespread impact across Apple's ecosystem. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition, though it manifests as memory corruption rather than simple buffer overflow. The attack vector involves visiting a malicious website that triggers the flawed JavaScriptCore memory management routines, potentially allowing adversaries to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript and browser-based attacks, demonstrating how web-based exploitation can bypass traditional security controls. The memory corruption occurs during the JavaScript object lifecycle management, particularly when handling complex object interactions and garbage collection processes. This flaw represents a critical security gap that could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems, potentially leading to full system compromise or persistent backdoor access. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential data exfiltration and system integrity compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires attackers to craft specific JavaScript code that triggers the memory corruption during object handling. The flaw manifests when JavaScriptCore processes certain object types that are not properly validated during memory operations, leading to corrupted memory regions that can be manipulated to execute arbitrary code. Attackers typically leverage this by hosting malicious content on compromised websites or through phishing campaigns that direct users to exploit the vulnerability. The memory corruption occurs in the JavaScriptCore engine's memory management subsystem, specifically during the handling of objects that undergo complex memory allocation patterns. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the browser level, allowing attackers to leverage the full privileges of the web browser process. The exploit requires minimal user interaction, typically just visiting a malicious website, making it highly effective for mass deployment. The vulnerability's relationship to other CVEs like CVE-2016-1725 and CVE-2016-1726 demonstrates a pattern of memory management flaws within the same engine, suggesting systemic issues in the JavaScriptCore implementation. This particular vulnerability represents a classic example of how memory safety issues in browser engines can lead to complete system compromise.
Organizations and users must implement immediate mitigations to protect against this vulnerability, including updating to the patched versions of iOS and Safari. The patch addresses the underlying memory management issues in JavaScriptCore, specifically correcting how object references are handled during memory operations. System administrators should prioritize deployment of the security updates across all affected Apple devices, particularly in enterprise environments where mobile device management solutions can help automate the update process. Network security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability, including suspicious web traffic patterns or attempts to access known malicious domains. The vulnerability's exploitation requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious site, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with less sophisticated security awareness training. Additional mitigations include implementing web application firewalls and content filtering solutions that can detect and block known malicious JavaScript patterns. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual JavaScript execution patterns or memory access violations that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of keeping browser engines updated, as these components are frequently targeted by attackers due to their broad attack surface and the privileges they operate with. Regular security assessments should include verification of browser engine versions and patch status to ensure comprehensive protection against similar vulnerabilities.