CVE-2017-2459 in tvOS
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in certain Apple products. iOS before 10.3 is affected. Safari before 10.1 is affected. tvOS before 10.2 is affected. The issue involves the "WebKit" component. It allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption and application crash) via a crafted web site.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2459 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Apple's WebKit rendering engine that affects multiple operating systems and applications. This vulnerability resides in the core web browsing component that powers Safari and other web-based applications across Apple's ecosystem. The flaw specifically impacts iOS versions prior to 10.3, Safari versions before 10.1, and tvOS versions before 10.2, creating a widespread attack surface that could potentially compromise millions of devices. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that attackers can exploit this issue without requiring physical access to the target device, making it particularly dangerous in mobile environments where users frequently browse untrusted websites.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory handling within WebKit's JavaScript engine, specifically in how it processes certain web content structures. Attackers can craft malicious websites that, when loaded in Safari or other WebKit-based applications, trigger memory corruption conditions that lead to arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability typically occurs when the browser fails to properly validate input data or when memory management functions do not adequately protect against buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions. The flaw operates at a low level within the browser's memory management system, allowing attackers to manipulate memory pointers or overwrite critical system structures. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations, both of which are common precursors to remote code execution exploits.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-2459 extends far beyond simple application crashes or denial of service conditions, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on affected devices. This means that compromised devices could be used to install malware, steal sensitive data, monitor user activities, or serve as launching points for further attacks within a network. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability makes it particularly dangerous for mobile users who may unknowingly visit malicious websites while browsing the internet, potentially compromising their personal information, device security, and privacy. Users of affected Apple products face significant risk when visiting untrusted websites, as simply loading a malicious page could result in complete device compromise. The vulnerability's presence in the WebKit component also means that all applications relying on this engine are potentially at risk, not just Safari itself, creating a cascading security impact across Apple's ecosystem.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-2459 primarily focus on prompt software updates and security best practices. Apple addressed this vulnerability through the release of iOS 10.3, Safari 10.1, and tvOS 10.2 updates, which included patches to the WebKit engine's memory management functions. Organizations and individuals should prioritize immediate installation of these security updates to protect against exploitation attempts. Additional mitigations include implementing web filtering solutions, using secure browsing practices, and avoiding suspicious websites or email attachments that may contain malicious content. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving exploitation of remote services and privilege escalation, as attackers can leverage the initial compromise to gain deeper system access. Network administrators should monitor for potential exploitation attempts and consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to identify suspicious traffic patterns associated with known exploit payloads. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining current security patches and following established cybersecurity protocols to minimize exposure to zero-day exploits.