CVE-2016-1854 in Safari
Summary
by MITRE
WebKit, as used in Apple iOS before 9.3.2, Safari before 9.1.1, and tvOS before 9.2.1, 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-2016-1855, CVE-2016-1856, and CVE-2016-1857.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2022
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 multiple Apple platforms including iOS versions prior to 9.3.2, Safari versions before 9.1.1, and tvOS versions before 9.2.1, indicating a widespread impact across Apple's ecosystem. The flaw manifests when users visit malicious websites that contain specially crafted web content designed to exploit memory handling errors within WebKit's JavaScript engine and rendering components.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves improper memory management during web page rendering processes, specifically within the JavaScriptCore engine that handles dynamic code execution. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that trigger buffer overflows, use-after-free conditions, or other memory corruption patterns that allow arbitrary code execution. These memory corruption issues typically occur when WebKit processes malformed HTML, JavaScript, or CSS content that causes the browser to write beyond allocated memory boundaries or access freed memory regions. The vulnerability operates through the browser's normal user interaction flow, requiring only that a user visits an attacker-controlled website, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through social engineering or compromised legitimate websites.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to include potential system compromise and data theft. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system control, allowing attackers to install malware, access sensitive user data, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that attackers need not have physical access to the device or direct user interaction beyond visiting a malicious page. This makes it particularly attractive for large-scale attacks and nation-state actors who can leverage the vulnerability through phishing campaigns, compromised advertising networks, or drive-by download scenarios. The memory corruption nature also introduces potential denial of service conditions where systems may crash or become unstable, disrupting normal user operations.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including prompt deployment of Apple's security updates, which address the underlying memory handling issues in WebKit's rendering engine. Organizations should also consider implementing web filtering solutions and browser hardening measures to reduce exposure. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and CWE-122, stack-based buffer overflow, while mapping to ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1190 for exploit public-facing application. Network administrators should monitor for suspicious web traffic patterns and implement security awareness training to help users recognize potentially malicious websites. Regular patch management processes should be prioritized to ensure all affected Apple platforms receive timely security updates, as this vulnerability represents a significant risk to both individual users and enterprise environments. The exploitation of such vulnerabilities underscores the importance of maintaining current security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that reduce the attack surface available to malicious actors.