CVE-2018-4368 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE
A denial of service issue was addressed with improved validation. This issue affected versions prior to iOS 12.1, macOS Mojave 10.14.1, tvOS 12.1, watchOS 5.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-4368 represents a denial of service flaw that existed in Apple's operating systems prior to specific security updates. This issue stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the affected software components, allowing malicious actors to potentially disrupt system operations through crafted inputs. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Apple's ecosystem including iOS devices, macOS systems, tvOS platforms, and watchOS devices, making it particularly concerning from a security perspective.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves improper validation of input data that could lead to system instability or complete service interruption. According to industry standards and vulnerability classification systems, this issue aligns with CWE-20, which describes "Improper Input Validation" as a fundamental weakness that can lead to various security consequences including denial of service conditions. The flaw likely manifests when the system processes malformed or unexpected input without adequate sanitization, potentially causing memory corruption or resource exhaustion that results in system crashes or unresponsiveness.
From an operational standpoint, the impact of CVE-2018-4368 extends across multiple device types within Apple's portfolio, affecting consumer and enterprise users alike. The vulnerability's presence in versions prior to iOS 12.1, macOS Mojave 10.14.1, tvOS 12.1, and watchOS 5.1 creates a significant attack surface where adversaries could exploit the weakness to render devices unusable. This type of denial of service vulnerability directly impacts the availability aspect of the CIA triad, potentially affecting user productivity, device functionality, and overall system reliability. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that these affected versions were widely deployed across consumer and enterprise environments.
The remediation for CVE-2018-4368 was addressed through Apple's security updates that introduced improved validation mechanisms within the affected software components. Organizations should prioritize updating their systems to the patched versions, specifically iOS 12.1, macOS Mojave 10.14.1, tvOS 12.1, and watchOS 5.1, to mitigate the risk of exploitation. Network administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected devices receive the necessary security updates. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability would be classified under the denial of service category, potentially supporting tactics such as resource exhaustion or system instability that could be leveraged in broader attack campaigns. The vulnerability's resolution through improved input validation demonstrates the importance of proper software quality assurance and the necessity of robust security testing throughout the software development lifecycle.