CVE-2018-4303 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE
An input validation issue was addressed with improved input validation. This issue affected versions prior to macOS Mojave 10.14, iOS 12.1.1, macOS Mojave 10.14.2, tvOS 12.1.1, watchOS 5.1.2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-4303 represents a critical input validation flaw that impacted multiple Apple operating systems including macOS, iOS, tvOS, and watchOS. This issue stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the affected software versions, creating potential attack vectors that could be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability was specifically addressed through enhanced input validation measures implemented in subsequent software releases, highlighting Apple's ongoing efforts to strengthen their security infrastructure against common exploitation techniques. The affected versions encompassed a broad range of Apple's ecosystem, from desktop operating systems to mobile and wearable devices, indicating the widespread nature of the potential risk.
The technical flaw underlying CVE-2018-4303 manifests as inadequate sanitization of user inputs within Apple's operating system components. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-20 category, which specifically addresses "Improper Input Validation" and represents one of the most fundamental security weaknesses in software development. The flaw likely allowed attackers to craft malicious inputs that could bypass normal validation checks, potentially leading to unexpected behavior within the system. Such input validation failures are particularly dangerous because they can serve as entry points for various attack vectors including buffer overflows, code injection, or privilege escalation scenarios. The vulnerability's classification aligns with the broader ATT&CK framework's T1059 category, which covers "Command and Scripting Interpreter" techniques that often exploit input validation weaknesses to execute malicious code.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-4303 extends across Apple's entire ecosystem of devices, affecting users of macOS Mojave, iOS 12.1.1, tvOS 12.1.1, and watchOS 5.1.2. This widespread exposure means that attackers could potentially compromise devices across multiple platforms, creating a significant risk for both individual users and enterprise environments. The vulnerability's presence in these versions suggests that users running affected software were exposed to potential exploitation opportunities, particularly in scenarios involving user interaction with system components. Organizations relying on Apple devices for business operations would have faced heightened security risks, as the flaw could potentially allow unauthorized access to sensitive data or system resources. The impact was particularly concerning given that these affected versions were widely deployed across consumer and enterprise markets.
Apple's response to CVE-2018-4303 involved implementing improved input validation mechanisms that were rolled out through security updates for affected versions. The remediation strategy focused on strengthening the validation processes that govern how system components process user inputs, thereby preventing malicious data from being properly interpreted or executed. This approach aligns with industry best practices for vulnerability remediation and follows the principle of least privilege by ensuring that all inputs are properly sanitized before system processing. Organizations should have prioritized updating their Apple devices to the patched versions, as the vulnerability could have been exploited to gain unauthorized access to system resources or execute arbitrary code. The security update process required careful planning and execution to ensure that all affected devices were properly patched without disrupting normal operations. The resolution of CVE-2018-4303 demonstrates the importance of continuous security monitoring and timely patch management in maintaining robust cybersecurity defenses across complex device ecosystems.