CVE-2015-5804

Vulnerability

The vulnerability resides in WebKit, the browser engine used in Apple iOS before 9 and iTunes before 12.3. It is a memory corruption issue that can be triggered when processing a maliciously crafted website. The affected versions are iOS versions prior to 9 and iTunes versions prior to 12.3. This CVE is distinct from other WebKit CVEs addressed in the same advisories [1][3].

Exploitation

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by enticing a user to visit a specially crafted website using an affected version of iOS or iTunes. No additional authentication or network position beyond standard web access is required. The exact sequence involves serving a web page that triggers the memory corruption through WebKit's processing, leading to either a crash or successful code execution.

Impact

Successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution in the context of the affected application (MobileSafari on iOS or the WebKit component in iTunes), or a denial of service due to application crash. This could result in full compromise of the user's data or device depending on the privileges of the process. The impact is described as memory corruption leading to arbitrary code execution [1][3].

Mitigation

Apple addressed this vulnerability by releasing iOS 9 and iTunes 12.3. Users should update affected devices to iOS 9 or later, and iTunes to version 12.3 or later. No workaround is available other than applying the updates. The issue is not listed on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog as of the publication date [1][3] .