ZDI-09-033: Apple WebKit dir Attribute Freeing Dangling Object Pointer Vulnerability http://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-09-033 June 8, 2009 -- CVE ID: CVE-2009-1701 -- Affected Vendors: Apple -- Affected Products: Apple Safari -- Vulnerability Details: This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable software utilizing the Apple WebKit library. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page. The specific flaw exists when the document.body element contains a specific XML container containing various elements supporting the 'dir' attribute. During the destruction of this element, if the rendering object responsible for the element is being removed, the application will then make a call to a method for an object that doesn't exist which can lead to code execution under the context of the current user. -- Vendor Response: Apple has issued an update to correct this vulnerability. More details can be found at: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3613 -- Disclosure Timeline: 2009-02-09 - Vulnerability reported to vendor 2009-06-08 - Coordinated public release of advisory -- Credit: This vulnerability was discovered by: * wushi & ling of team509 -- About the Zero Day Initiative (ZDI): Established by TippingPoint, The Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) represents a best-of-breed model for rewarding security researchers for responsibly disclosing discovered vulnerabilities. Researchers interested in getting paid for their security research through the ZDI can find more information and sign-up at: http://www.zerodayinitiative.com The ZDI is unique in how the acquired vulnerability information is used. TippingPoint does not re-sell the vulnerability details or any exploit code. Instead, upon notifying the affected product vendor, TippingPoint provides its customers with zero day protection through its intrusion prevention technology. Explicit details regarding the specifics of the vulnerability are not exposed to any parties until an official vendor patch is publicly available. Furthermore, with the altruistic aim of helping to secure a broader user base, TippingPoint provides this vulnerability information confidentially to security vendors (including competitors) who have a vulnerability protection or mitigation product. Our vulnerability disclosure policy is available online at: http://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/disclosure_policy/
