CVE-2016-4611 in tvOS
Summary
by MITRE
WebKit in Apple iOS before 10, Safari before 10, and tvOS before 10 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-2016-4730, CVE-2016-4733, CVE-2016-4734, and CVE-2016-4735.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/21/2022
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 iOS versions prior to 10.0, Safari versions prior to 10.0, and tvOS versions prior to 10.0, creating a widespread attack surface across Apple's ecosystem. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious web pages that trigger specific memory handling errors in WebKit's JavaScript engine, leading to unpredictable memory corruption that can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with heap-based buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions that are commonly classified under CWE-122 and CWE-416, where improper memory management allows attackers to manipulate program execution flow. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of browser security and operating system integrity, as WebKit's memory management issues can be escalated to gain broader system privileges.
The technical exploitation mechanism involves manipulating JavaScript objects and memory structures within WebKit's garbage collection and memory allocation processes. Attackers craft web content that triggers specific code paths in the JavaScript engine where memory is improperly managed or freed, creating opportunities for memory corruption that can be directly translated into code execution. The vulnerability differs from related CVE-2016-4730, CVE-2016-4733, CVE-2016-4734, and CVE-2016-4735, indicating a distinct memory corruption pattern within WebKit's implementation. This distinction is crucial for security teams to understand that multiple vulnerabilities exist in the same codebase but require different exploitation techniques and mitigations. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it a prime candidate for drive-by attacks that can compromise user systems without explicit consent.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass potential system compromise and data theft. When successfully exploited, attackers can gain unauthorized access to user data, install malware, or perform privilege escalation attacks that undermine the security model of iOS and macOS systems. The memory corruption can manifest in various ways including application crashes, system instability, or complete system compromise depending on the exploitation method. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques documented in the attack framework, where memory corruption flaws are often categorized under the MITRE ATT&CK framework's T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) techniques, making it a valuable target for cybercriminals and nation-state actors. The vulnerability's presence in Apple's widely deployed operating systems means that exploitation could affect millions of users globally.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Apple operating systems and browsers, as the flaw represents a critical security risk that cannot be effectively mitigated through configuration changes or network controls. Organizations should implement robust patch management processes to ensure all iOS devices, Safari installations, and tvOS systems are updated to versions that contain the necessary WebKit security fixes. Network security teams should consider implementing web filtering solutions to block access to known malicious domains, though this approach provides only partial protection since the vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors. The vulnerability's nature suggests that additional security measures such as sandboxing enhancements and memory protection mechanisms may be necessary to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Security professionals should also monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability, including unusual network traffic patterns or system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, as the attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly broad due to the widespread use of Apple's WebKit-based browsers.