CVE-2016-4768 in tvOS
Summary
by MITRE
WebKit in Apple iOS before 10, tvOS before 10, iTunes before 12.5.1 on Windows, and Safari 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-2016-4759, CVE-2016-4765, CVE-2016-4766, and CVE-2016-4767.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/21/2022
This vulnerability affects Apple's WebKit rendering engine across multiple platforms including iOS versions prior to 10, tvOS versions prior to 10, iTunes versions prior to 12.5.1 on Windows, and Safari versions prior to 10. The flaw represents a memory corruption issue that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service conditions through maliciously crafted websites. The vulnerability operates independently from other related issues such as CVE-2016-4759, CVE-2016-4765, CVE-2016-4766, and CVE-2016-4767, indicating a distinct code path or memory handling mechanism within the WebKit engine. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and may also relate to CWE-787, representing out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities that can lead to memory corruption. The attack vector involves a remote malicious website that, when loaded in a vulnerable WebKit instance, triggers memory corruption through improper handling of web content, potentially leading to code execution at the privilege level of the compromised browser process. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation as it affects a core component of Apple's ecosystem across multiple operating systems, creating widespread potential for compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code remotely, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or persistent backdoor installation. The memory corruption aspect suggests that the vulnerability could manifest as heap corruption, stack corruption, or other memory management flaws that allow attackers to manipulate program execution flow. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.003, which involves the use of command and scripting interpreter for execution, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to run malicious commands. The attack surface is particularly broad given that WebKit is used across Apple's mobile and desktop platforms, making this vulnerability a significant concern for enterprise and individual users alike. The vulnerability's presence in both mobile and desktop versions of Apple's software demonstrates the interconnected nature of Apple's security ecosystem, where a flaw in one component can affect multiple platforms. Organizations should prioritize patching across all affected versions, as the memory corruption nature suggests that even limited exploitation attempts could result in complete system compromise. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw makes it particularly dangerous in environments where users may encounter malicious websites through web browsing, email links, or other web-based attack vectors, requiring comprehensive security awareness training and network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts.