CVE-2019-6214 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE
A type confusion issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in iOS 12.1.3, macOS Mojave 10.14.3, tvOS 12.1.2, watchOS 5.1.3. A malicious application may be able to break out of its sandbox.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-6214 represents a critical type confusion flaw that existed within Apple's operating systems, specifically affecting iOS 12.1.2, macOS Mojave 10.14.2, tvOS 12.1.1, and watchOS 5.1.2. This issue stems from improper memory handling mechanisms that allow for the manipulation of data type interpretations during runtime operations. The flaw manifests when the system incorrectly handles memory allocations and object type management, creating opportunities for attackers to exploit the underlying memory management subsystem.
Type confusion vulnerabilities fall under the CWE-466 category, which specifically addresses situations where a program attempts to use an object of one type as if it were another type. The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves memory corruption scenarios where the system's type checking mechanisms fail to properly validate object integrity during memory operations. Attackers can leverage this weakness to manipulate memory contents and potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-6214 is particularly concerning as it allows malicious applications to escape their designated sandbox environments and gain unauthorized access to system resources. This sandbox escape capability provides attackers with the ability to bypass Apple's security controls and potentially access sensitive user data, system files, or other applications running on the device. The vulnerability essentially undermines the fundamental security model that separates applications and protects user privacy, creating a pathway for persistent threats to gain deeper system access.
From an attack perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1484 which involves creating or modifying system processes to maintain persistence and escalate privileges. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious applications that can trigger the type confusion during memory operations, potentially leading to privilege escalation and system compromise. The fix implemented by Apple in versions 12.1.3, 10.14.3, 12.1.2, and 5.1.3 respectively addresses the memory handling inconsistencies through improved type validation and enhanced memory management protocols.
Organizations and users should prioritize immediate deployment of the patched versions to mitigate this vulnerability. The remediation process involves updating to the latest operating system versions that contain the memory handling improvements and enhanced type checking mechanisms. Security teams should monitor for potential exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability and implement additional monitoring for suspicious application behavior that might indicate sandbox escape attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper memory management and type validation in preventing privilege escalation attacks that can compromise entire operating system environments.