CVE-2019-6215 in iCloud
Summary
by MITRE
A type confusion issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in iOS 12.1.3, tvOS 12.1.2, Safari 12.0.3, iTunes 12.9.3 for Windows, iCloud for Windows 7.10. Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-6215 represents a critical type confusion issue that existed within Apple's software ecosystem, specifically affecting iOS, tvOS, Safari, and related applications. This flaw emerged from inadequate memory handling practices that allowed attackers to manipulate object types during runtime operations, creating conditions where the system might incorrectly interpret data types and execute malicious code. The vulnerability stems from the fundamental principle that modern software systems must maintain strict type integrity to prevent unauthorized code execution, yet this particular flaw permitted attackers to exploit memory management weaknesses that could be triggered through web content processing.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves memory corruption that occurs when the system fails to properly validate object types during dynamic operations. Attackers could craft malicious web content that, when processed by affected applications, would cause the system to misinterpret memory locations and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. This type confusion vulnerability directly maps to CWE-476 which describes NULL pointer dereference conditions, though in this case the issue manifests through improper type handling rather than simple pointer issues. The flaw demonstrates how improper memory management can create pathways for attackers to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to system resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-6215 extends across multiple Apple platforms and applications, making it particularly dangerous due to its broad attack surface. When exploited, the vulnerability could allow remote code execution through web browsers and applications that process untrusted content, potentially enabling attackers to install malicious software, access sensitive user data, or compromise entire devices. The affected software versions include iOS 12.1.2 and earlier, tvOS 12.1.1 and earlier, Safari 12.0.2 and earlier, and various iTunes and iCloud for Windows versions. This cross-platform nature means that users could be vulnerable regardless of their primary device, as the same underlying memory handling issue exists across multiple software components.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve applying the security patches released by Apple as part of iOS 12.1.3, tvOS 12.1.2, Safari 12.0.3, and corresponding updates for iTunes and iCloud for Windows. System administrators should prioritize immediate deployment of these updates across all affected devices, particularly in enterprise environments where multiple users may be exposed to malicious web content. Additional protective measures include implementing web content filtering solutions, disabling automatic web content processing in applications where possible, and maintaining current antivirus signatures that can detect exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which involves command and script interpreters, particularly when attackers attempt to execute malicious code through web-based attack vectors. The vulnerability underscores the importance of continuous security updates and proper memory management practices in preventing sophisticated exploitation attempts that could compromise user devices and data integrity.