CVE-2019-7293 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE
A memory corruption issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in iOS 12.2, macOS Mojave 10.14.4, tvOS 12.2, watchOS 5.2. A local user may be able to read kernel memory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/09/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw that existed in Apple's operating systems prior to the release of iOS 12.2, macOS Mojave 10.14.4, tvOS 12.2, and watchOS 5.2. The issue stems from inadequate memory handling mechanisms within the kernel space of these operating systems, creating a potential pathway for unauthorized access to sensitive kernel memory regions. The vulnerability falls under the category of memory safety issues that can lead to information disclosure and potentially more severe exploitation vectors when combined with other techniques. According to CWE classification, this corresponds to CWE-125: Out-of-bounds Read, which occurs when a program reads data past the end of a valid memory buffer, potentially exposing sensitive kernel information to unauthorized processes.
The technical nature of this vulnerability allows a local attacker with user-level privileges to potentially read kernel memory contents through improper memory management handling. This type of flaw typically arises from insufficient bounds checking during memory operations, buffer over-read conditions, or improper memory deallocation processes. When a local user can leverage such an issue, it represents a significant escalation from standard user privileges to kernel-level access, which is particularly concerning given the sensitive nature of kernel memory containing system credentials, encryption keys, and other critical operational data. The memory corruption manifests as a read operation that accesses memory locations beyond the intended boundaries, potentially exposing confidential information that should remain protected within kernel space.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as kernel memory access can provide attackers with detailed insights into system internals including memory layouts, security module states, and potential weaknesses in the operating system's security architecture. Attackers could potentially use this information to craft more sophisticated attacks or to bypass security mechanisms that rely on memory-based protections. This vulnerability particularly affects the security model of Apple's operating systems by undermining the isolation between user space and kernel space, which is fundamental to maintaining system security and preventing privilege escalation attacks. The issue demonstrates a failure in the memory management subsystem's ability to properly enforce memory boundaries, creating a persistent threat vector that could be exploited in various attack scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability center around applying the respective security updates provided by Apple, which include the fixed versions mentioned in the advisory. System administrators should prioritize deployment of iOS 12.2, macOS Mojave 10.14.4, tvOS 12.2, and watchOS 5.2 across all affected devices to eliminate the risk. Additional protective measures include implementing robust monitoring for unusual memory access patterns, maintaining up-to-date security patches, and ensuring that systems operate with the principle of least privilege. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability relates to T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation and T1005: Data from Local System, as it enables an attacker to gain elevated privileges and access sensitive system information. Organizations should also consider implementing memory protection mechanisms and kernel integrity checks as part of their defensive posture to prevent exploitation of similar memory corruption vulnerabilities.