CVE-2016-1726 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-2016-1723 and CVE-2016-1725.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2022
This vulnerability exists within WebKit's JavaScriptCore engine, which serves as the JavaScript engine for Apple's Safari browser and iOS web rendering. The flaw manifests as a memory corruption issue that occurs during the execution of JavaScript code on maliciously crafted web pages. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code remotely or cause denial of service conditions. The vulnerability specifically affects Apple iOS versions prior to 9.2.1 and Safari versions prior to 9.0.3, representing a significant security gap in Apple's mobile and desktop browser implementations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within JavaScriptCore's handling of object references and memory allocation. When processing specially crafted JavaScript code, the engine fails to properly validate memory boundaries, leading to buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions. This memory corruption allows attackers to overwrite critical memory locations and potentially execute malicious code with the privileges of the browser process. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of memory safety issues and browser engine exploitation, making it particularly dangerous in web-based attack scenarios.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-1726 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise potential. Attackers can craft web pages that, when visited by victims, trigger the memory corruption flaw and subsequently deliver malware payloads, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow conditions. These weaknesses create pathways for privilege escalation and persistent access to affected systems, particularly on mobile devices where users may browse untrusted websites without proper security awareness.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected systems with the appropriate security updates from Apple. Users should ensure their iOS devices are updated to version 9.2.1 or later, while Safari users must upgrade to version 9.0.3 or higher. Organizations should implement network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to block access to known malicious domains. Additionally, security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and consider implementing browser hardening measures including sandboxing and privilege separation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for JavaScript execution and T1203 for exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities, emphasizing the need for layered defensive approaches including endpoint detection and response capabilities.