CVE-2019-8502 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE
An API issue existed in the handling of dictation requests. This issue was addressed with improved validation. This issue is fixed in iOS 12.2, macOS Mojave 10.14.4, tvOS 12.2, watchOS 5.2. A malicious application may be able to initiate a Dictation request without user authorization.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2019-8502 represents a critical security flaw in Apple's dictation API implementation that could enable unauthorized access to user voice input capabilities. This issue specifically affected the handling of dictation requests within Apple's operating systems including iOS 12.1 and earlier versions, macOS Mojave 10.14.3 and earlier, tvOS 12.1 and earlier, and watchOS 5.1 and earlier. The flaw allowed malicious applications to programmatically initiate dictation requests without obtaining proper user consent, potentially compromising user privacy and data security. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that failed to properly authenticate or authorize dictation request initiation, creating an attack vector for unauthorized access to sensitive voice data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability can be categorized under CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1194 for phishing with social engineering. The flaw occurred within the system's API layer where dictation functionality was exposed to applications without sufficient security controls to prevent unauthorized invocation. Attackers could exploit this weakness by developing malicious applications that programmatically triggered dictation services, potentially capturing voice input without user awareness or consent. This represents a significant privacy risk as dictation services typically capture sensitive personal information, including voice commands, conversations, and potentially confidential data. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple privacy concerns to potential data exfiltration scenarios where attackers could collect voice data for further exploitation or analysis.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-8502 creates substantial risk for users of affected Apple platforms, particularly in environments where mobile devices handle sensitive information or where users may be targeted by sophisticated social engineering campaigns. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only a malicious application that can access the dictation API, making it particularly dangerous as it could be embedded within seemingly legitimate applications. Users may not be aware that their dictation capabilities are being accessed without authorization, creating a stealthy attack vector that could persist undetected for extended periods. This vulnerability particularly affects scenarios where users rely on dictation for sensitive communications, personal notes, or business-related activities where unauthorized access to voice data could lead to identity theft, corporate espionage, or other security breaches. The issue demonstrates how seemingly benign system features can become attack vectors when proper access controls and validation mechanisms are absent.
Apple addressed this vulnerability through comprehensive API validation improvements in their operating system updates, specifically releasing fixes for iOS 12.2, macOS Mojave 10.14.4, tvOS 12.2, and watchOS 5.2. The remediation involved implementing stricter authentication requirements for dictation API access, ensuring that only properly authorized applications could initiate dictation services. System administrators and security professionals should prioritize deployment of these updates across all affected platforms, particularly in enterprise environments where user privacy and data security are paramount. Organizations should also implement monitoring procedures to detect potential unauthorized dictation activity and consider additional security measures such as application whitelisting or sandboxing to prevent malicious applications from accessing system APIs. The fix demonstrates Apple's approach to addressing API security vulnerabilities through improved input validation and access control mechanisms, aligning with industry best practices for preventing unauthorized system access and maintaining user privacy.